Working Past State Pension Age

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 (e.g. in the construction industry) 
  • the job has an age limit set by law (eg the fire service) 

If you have been treated unlawfully  

The law protects you against discrimination, for example, if you apply for a new job you do not 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 are working, as long as you have reached: 

State Pension 

If you delay (defer) taking your State Pension, you will 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 do not pay National Insurance if you work past State Pension age. 

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

For further information on Working past State Pension age see GOV.UK's website.