The new year brings several changes to pensions. On January 1, 2026, the standard age will be raised to 67 years. The standard age primarily determines the lowest possible age for drawing income pension (three years before the standard age, i.e. 64 years from 2026). It also refers to the lowest age at which one can draw a guarantee pension and the age at which one becomes entitled to housing allowance.
The forecast is that the standard age will gradually rise to 70 years for those born in the late 1990s and later.
The new standard age involves several considerations, according to Shoka Åhrman.
Now that we know we need to stay in the workforce longer, we also need to think about: Do I need to retrain? Can I work until retirement age if I change direction or develop my skills in a different way?
More in your wallet
She thinks the new year is a good opportunity to review your pension. Partly to get an overview and plan, but also to review your risk level and what contributions you pay.
Many people also go around worrying without having a real picture, she says, adding:
Look at retirement as a whole when you also sit down and budget for your finances in 2026, or for your new financial New Year's resolution.
In January, income pension and supplementary pension will also increase by 1.9 percent, while the guarantee pension will rise by 0.7 percent. Exactly what this means for the wallet will only be clear from the pension authority in January. However, it is not only pensioners who will have to count on more in their wallets in 2026.
This is the first time in quite a while that we have actually received a real wage increase.
Tips for 2026
It may also be time to resume or increase your savings with the extra money you receive. The new year also means that the tax-free allowance for ISK accounts will be increased to 300,000 kronor.
If you are young, your first priority may not be to start with a huge amount in retirement savings, but then you might be able to put some aside for long-term regular savings.
She recommends taking risks with your retirement savings, especially if you are young. For those approaching retirement age, she recommends not reducing risk completely.
The pension capital is not paid out overnight, but is long-term. You can still participate and take part in the development of the stock market.
