Retirement2 min read · Updated 21 October 2026
Can I retire early in the UK? Pot, State Pension and the gap
How to check whether your pot and State Pension can fund an early retirement in the UK, with a worked example of £790,000 and £42,000 spending.
The gap years
State Pension starts at 66 and rises to 67 from 2026 to 2028. If you retire at 55, you must fund every pound for about eleven years from savings and ISAs.
A worked example
Pot £790,000, spending £42,000, State Pension £12,500 (full new rate, check your forecast). From the State Pension age you need £29,500 a year from the pot, a 3.7% draw. Before that you need £42,000, a 5.3% draw. A short bridge is fine; a long one is risky.
What you can touch
ISAs and savings can be used at any age. Private pensions generally cannot be accessed before 55 now and 57 from April 2028. Plan which pot funds which years.
Check your forecast
Get your State Pension forecast on GOV.UK. A shortfall in National Insurance years can be filled by voluntary contributions.
Common questions
What is the State Pension age?
66 now, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
When can I access my private pension?
Age 55 now, rising to 57 from April 2028.
How much State Pension will I get?
Check your forecast on GOV.UK. The full new State Pension is about £12,500 a year from April 2026.