State Pension age now equal for men and women

The change, which has been gradually phased in, means that women can only start claiming their State Pension at the same age as men - from the age of 65.

This change does not affect when you can take your Rail benefits, as your RPS pension is covered by Scheme Rules.
 
Up until 2010, women could take their State Pension at age 60, but their State Pension age has gradually risen since then.

The State Pension age will go up again for both men and women to age 66 by October 2020 and 67 by March 2028.  Another rise to 68 is proposed by March 2039.

The move is in response to people living longer, and worries by successive governments that the state pension is becoming too expensive to maintain in its current form.

Check when you can start claiming the State Pension.