What happens if you work past your State Pension age?

(GOV.UK)

You can keep working past your State Pension age.

You can usually work for as long as you want to. ‘Default retirement age’ (a forced retirement age of 65) no longer exists.

You can also ask your employer if you can work more flexibly or work part-time. They have the right to reject your request.

When you can be forced to retire

In some cases an employer can force you to retire at a certain age – known as ‘compulsory retirement age’. If they do this they must give a good reason why, for example:

• the job requires certain physical abilities (eg in the construction industry)
• the job has an age limit set by law (eg the fire service)

If you’ve been treated unlawfully

The law protects you against discrimination, eg if you apply for a new job you don’t have to give your date of birth.

If you think an employer has treated you unlawfully you can make a claim to an employment tribunal.

Find out about discrimination and the law.

Claiming your pension while working

You can claim your pension while you’re working, as long as you’ve reached:

• State Pension age, if you’re claiming the State Pension
• the age agreed with your pension provider, if it’s a personal pension or workplace pension

State Pension

If you delay (defer) taking your State Pension, you’ll get larger weekly payments when you do start taking it.

Workplace pension

If you have a workplace pension, reducing your working hours could affect how much you get – check with your employer.

Check what happens to your workplace pension if you continue working beyond the age when you can take it.

National Insurance and tax

You don’t pay National Insurance if you work past State Pension age.

You could pay tax – it depends on the size of your total income.

Find out more about tax after you reach State Pension age.