Pensions

Workplace Pension

1. What Is a Workplace Pension?
Learn how employer contributions work, what a workplace pension is, and why it’s essential for long-term retirement planning.

2. How Do I Claim My Workplace Pension?
When you're ready to access your pot, find out how to claim your workplace pension and what steps to take with your provider.

3. When Did Workplace Pensions Start?
Explore the history of auto-enrolment and when workplace pensions officially started in the UK.

4. Can I Withdraw My Workplace Pension Early?
If you're considering accessing your funds before retirement, check the rules on withdrawing your workplace pension early.

5. Can I Have a SIPP and a Workplace Pension?
It’s perfectly legal to hold both, learn the benefits of having a SIPP alongside your workplace pension.

6. Can I Cash In My Workplace Pension at 55?
From age 55, you may be able to take a lump sum. Find out how to cash in your workplace pension at 55 and the implications.

7. Can I Change My Workplace Pension Provider?
While most employees are tied to their employer’s scheme, we explain how to change your workplace pension provider if you're eligible.

8. What Happens to My Workplace Pension When I Die?
Your pension doesn’t vanish when you pass away, here’s what happens to your workplace pension when you die, and who might inherit it.

State Pension

1. How Much Is State Pension?
Your entitlement depends on your National Insurance record, find out how much State Pension you could receive based on your contributions.

2. When Will I Get My State Pension?
State Pension age varies depending on your date of birth. Learn when you’ll get your State Pension and how to check your forecast.

3. What Is State Pension?
If you’re new to retirement planning, start with the basics and understand what the State Pension is and how it fits into your income later in life.

4. What Is UK Pension Age?
The age you can claim varies over time, here’s what the UK pension age is and how upcoming changes may affect your plans.

5. Is State Pension Taxable?
It might surprise you to know that State Pension is classed as income. We explain whether your State Pension is taxable and how HMRC handles it.

6. Can I Look at My State Pension Online?
Yes, there’s a simple way to check, here’s how to look at your State Pension online, view your forecast, and spot any contribution gaps.

7. Can I Get Housing Benefit on State Pension?
If you're living on a low income in retirement, you might be entitled to support. Discover whether you can claim Housing Benefit while receiving State Pension.

8. How to Apply for State Pension
You won’t receive it automatically, learn how to apply for your State Pension and what documents or details you’ll need.

9. Can Pensioners Get Help with Funeral Costs?
Government support may be available if you’re on a low income. Find out what help pensioners can get with funeral costs and how to apply.

10. What Happens to Your Pension When You Die Over 75?
Pensions can still be passed on, but the rules change with age. Learn what happens to your pension if you die over 75 and how tax treatment works.

Pension Taxation

1. How to Claim Higher Rate Relief on Pension Contributions
If you're a higher-rate taxpayer, you could be missing out. Here's how to claim higher rate relief on pension contributions and boost your pension savings.

2. Can I Take 25% of My Pension Tax-Free Every Year?
Many pension holders can access a portion tax-free but not as often as they think. We explain whether you can take 25% of your pension tax-free each year and what the rules actually allow.

3. How Much Tax Will I Pay on My Pension?
Your pension income is taxable but how much depends on your total income and tax code. Find out how much tax you'll pay on your pension and what to expect in retirement.

4. Do I Have to Declare My Pension Lump Sum?
Not all pension withdrawals are tax-free. Learn whether you need to declare your pension lump sum and how it could affect your tax bill.

5. How to Avoid Inheritance Tax on Pensions
Passing your pension on can be tax-efficient if done right. Discover how to avoid inheritance tax on pensions and ensure your beneficiaries receive more of your pot.

6. How to Avoid Paying Tax on Your Pension
While not all pension income is tax-free, there are legal ways to reduce what you owe. Explore how to avoid paying tax on your pension through smart planning and allowances.

Private / SIPP / SSAS / NEST Pensions

1. SSAS Scheme Pension
For business owners and directors, a SSAS offers flexibility and control. Learn how a SSAS scheme pension works and whether it’s right for you.

2. SSAS vs SIPP
Both are self-managed pensions, but they serve different needs. We compare SSAS vs SIPP so you can decide which fits your retirement goals.

3. Can I Withdraw My NEST Pension Now?
You might be able to access your funds early but there are rules. Find out whether you can withdraw your NEST pension now and what it means for your future.

4. Can I Withdraw My Private Pension Before 55?
In most cases, early withdrawals come with penalties. Here’s what you need to know about withdrawing your private pension before 55 and the risks involved.

5. How to Cancel a NEST Pension
Whether you’ve changed jobs or opted out, here’s how to cancel your NEST pension properly and what happens to your money.

6. Is NEST a Good Pension?
NEST is one of the UK’s most widely used workplace pension schemes but is it the best? We look at whether NEST is a good pension based on fees, flexibility, and returns.

7. What Is a Defined Contribution Pension Scheme?
This is the most common type of pension in the UK. Understand what a defined contribution pension scheme is, how it builds over time, and what income it can provide.

8. What Is a Final Salary Pension?
Also known as a defined benefit pension, it guarantees a fixed retirement income. We explain what a final salary pension is and why it's so valuable.

9. What Is a Stakeholder Pension?
A low-cost, flexible pension designed for simplicity, find out what a stakeholder pension is and how it compares to other options.

10. What Is an Annuity Pension?
An annuity provides a guaranteed income for life or a set period. Discover what an annuity pension is, how it’s purchased, and who it suits.

Pension Access & Withdrawal

1. Can I Cash In My COPE Pension?
If your pension includes a COPE element, you may wonder about access. Find out whether you can cash in your COPE pension and what the limitations are.

2. Can I Cash In My Pension?
Thinking of accessing your pension early? We explain how to cash in your pension and the age, tax, and scheme rules that apply.

3. Can I Cash In My Pension at 30?
Early access to pensions under 55 is rare and tightly controlled. Learn whether you can cash in your pension at 30 and what exceptions exist.

4. Can I Close My Pension and Take the Money Out?
Closing a pension and withdrawing funds depends on your age and scheme. We outline how to close your pension and take the money out, including tax implications.

5. Can I View My NHS Pension Online?
Yes, NHS pension members can check their statements digitally. Here’s how to view your NHS pension online and what information you’ll need.

6. Can I Withdraw Money from My Pension Plan?
You may be able to take lump sums or set up flexible drawdown. Find out how to withdraw money from your pension plan and what options are available.

7. Can I Withdraw My Workplace Pension?
Depending on your age and scheme, you may be eligible to access your pot. Learn how to withdraw your workplace pension and whether you can take it all at once or in stages.

Public Sector & Specialist Pensions

1. How Does the NHS Pension Scheme Work?
The NHS pension scheme offers generous defined benefits. Learn how the NHS pension scheme works, from contributions to retirement options.

2. How Much NHS Pension Will I Get After 10 Years?
Your NHS pension builds over time, here’s how much NHS pension you could get after 10 years of service, depending on your salary and scheme.

3. How Much NHS Pension Will I Get After 30 Years?
A full NHS career can deliver a strong retirement income. Discover how much NHS pension you’ll receive after 30 years and how it’s calculated.

4. How Much Is a Teacher’s Pension?
Teachers in the UK benefit from a defined benefit scheme. Find out how much a teacher’s pension is based on your earnings and length of service.

5. Do I Have to Take My Teacher’s Pension at 60?
There’s flexibility in when you take your benefits. Learn whether you have to take your teacher’s pension at 60 and what happens if you delay.

6. How Do Teacher Pensions Work?
The Teachers’ Pension Scheme has unique rules. We explain how teacher pensions work, including career-average calculations and early retirement.

7. How Much Is an Army Pension After 12 Years?
If you’re leaving the military after a shorter service, here’s how much your army pension could be after 12 years and what your options are.

8. How Much Is an Army Pension After 22 Years UK?
Full pension entitlement kicks in after 22 years. We break down how much an army pension is after 22 years and how it’s structured in the UK.

9. How Much Is an Army Pension?
From entry-level soldiers to officers, pension entitlements vary. Find out how much an army pension is and what factors affect your outcome.

10. How Much Is a Police Pension?
Police pensions are based on years of service and final salary. Learn how much a police pension is under current UK schemes.

11. How Much Is a Police Pension After 20 Years?
Leaving the force after 20 years? Discover how much your police pension could be and what early retirement looks like.

12. Do MPs Get a Pension for Life?
MPs have access to a public sector pension too. We explain whether MPs get a pension for life, how much they contribute, and how it’s structured.

13. Do Chelsea Pensioners Get Pocket Money?
Chelsea Pensioners receive more than just accommodation. Find out if Chelsea Pensioners get pocket money and how the Royal Hospital supports them.

14. How Do You Become a Chelsea Pensioner?
It’s a unique honour reserved for former soldiers. Learn how to become a Chelsea Pensioner, the eligibility criteria, and what life is like inside the iconic red coats.

Survivors, Inheritance & Death

1. What Happens to My Pension When I Die?
Your pension doesn’t vanish when you pass away but who inherits depends on your scheme and nominations. Find out what happens to your pension when you die and how it’s taxed.

2. Can a Child Collect a Deceased Parent’s Pension?
Some pensions offer dependent benefits. We explain whether a child can collect a deceased parent’s pension and what rules apply.

3. Can I Claim My Ex-Husband's Pension If He Dies?
Divorced spouses may still have rights through court orders or nominations. Learn if you can claim your ex-husband’s pension if he dies and what factors determine eligibility.

4. How Long Is Pension Paid After Death?
Pensions don’t stop immediately, some continue temporarily or offer lump sums. Discover how long a pension is paid after death and what your family needs to know.

5. Do Pensions Form Part of an Estate UK?
Most pensions are written in trust and sit outside the estate but not always. Learn whether pensions form part of an estate in the UK and when inheritance tax may apply.

6. How Much Is Widow’s Pension?
If your spouse dies, you may be entitled to support. Find out how much a widow’s pension is and how it varies depending on your partner’s scheme and NI record.

7. What Happens to Your Pension When You Die Over 75?
The tax rules change once you pass 75. Understand what happens to your pension when you die over 75 and what your beneficiaries might receive.

Pension Planning & Contributions

1. How Many Pensions Can You Have?
There’s no legal limit, but managing multiple pots can be tricky. Learn how many pensions you can have and how to keep them organised.

2. How Much Can I Pay into My Pension?
Annual and lifetime limits apply but generous tax relief can make it worthwhile. Find out how much you can pay into your pension and still claim relief.

3. How Much Should I Contribute to My Pension?
Not sure if you're saving enough? Discover how much you should contribute to your pension based on your age, income, and retirement goals.

4. How Much Should I Have in My Pension at 30?
It’s never too early to check your progress. Learn how much you should have in your pension at 30 and how to catch up if you’re behind.

5. How to Combine Pensions
Consolidating pensions can reduce fees and simplify management. Here’s how to combine pensions safely and decide if it’s right for you.

6. How to Find Old Pensions
Lost track of a workplace or personal scheme? We explain how to find old pensions using free tools and what details you’ll need.

7. How to Find Out What Pensions I Have?
From employer schemes to personal plans, here’s how to find out what pensions you have and how much they’re worth today.

Pension Basics & General Knowledge

1. Are Pensions Worth It?
With tax relief, employer contributions, and long-term growth, we explain whether pensions are worth it and why they’re still a key part of retirement planning.

2. Do Final Salary Pensions Still Exist?
These gold-standard pensions are rare but not gone. Find out if final salary pensions still exist and who still has access to them.

3. Do Immigrants Get State Pension?
Eligibility depends on your National Insurance record. Learn whether immigrants can get the State Pension and how to qualify.

4. Do Pensioners Pay Dental Treatment?
Some over-60s get free care, others don’t. Discover whether pensioners have to pay for dental treatment and what NHS exemptions apply.

5. Does PIP Stop When You Reach Pension Age?
Reaching pension age can affect disability benefits. We explain whether PIP stops when you reach pension age and what happens next.

6. How Do Pensions Work?
From contributions to retirement income, get the full picture of how pensions work in the UK and the difference between defined benefit and defined contribution.

7. How Do You Qualify for Guaranteed Pension Credit?
This top-up benefit supports low-income pensioners. Learn how to qualify for Guaranteed Pension Credit and how it could boost your retirement income.

8. What Is the Average UK Pension Pot?
Pension savings vary widely by age and income. Find out what the average UK pension pot is and how yours compares.

9. What Is Lifetime Allowance Pension?
Although recently scrapped, many are still affected. Understand what the Lifetime Allowance pension rule was and how transitional protections work.

10. What Is Pensionable Pay?
Not all earnings count towards your pension. Learn what pensionable pay is, what’s included, and how it affects your final benefit.

COPE & Other Pension Questions

1. What Is COPE in Pensions?
If you see a COPE amount on your pension forecast, you're not alone. We explain what COPE is in pensions and how it relates to contracting out.

2. When Is COPE Pension Paid?
Unlike the State Pension, COPE isn’t paid by the government. Find out when the COPE pension is paid and who’s responsible for it.

3. Who Pays My COPE Pension?
COPE is usually paid by a workplace or private scheme not the DWP. Learn who pays your COPE pension and how to track it down.

4. Is COPE Paid Before State Pension Age?
You may receive it earlier, depending on your scheme. We explain whether COPE is paid before State Pension age and what to expect from your provider.

Employment & Legal Questions

1. Is It Illegal for Employer Not to Pay Pension?
Most UK employers are legally required to contribute to your pension. Find out whether it’s illegal for an employer not to pay pension contributions and what you can do if they don’t.

2. How to Opt Out of NEST Pension
If you’ve been auto-enrolled but want to leave the scheme, here’s how to opt out of your NEST pension and what happens to your contributions.

3. How to Opt Out of NHS Pension
You can leave the NHS scheme, but it’s a big decision. Learn how to opt out of the NHS pension and the risks of doing so.

4. Is It Worth Paying into a Pension for 10 Years?
Even a decade of contributions can make a difference. Discover if it’s worth paying into a pension for 10 years and what you could gain from starting now.

5. Is It Worth Paying into a Pension for 5 Years?
Short-term saving still brings tax relief and compound growth. Find out whether it’s worth paying into a pension for 5 years and how to make the most of it.