FAQs

The government wants people to save for their retirement. But it realises that people might not want to commit to saving in a pension that can't be touched for some years. So to encourage people to save, it gives tax relief on your pension contributions.

As an example, if you invest £80 a month, the taxman currently adds £20 - making £100 in total. This happens automatically.

If you're a higher or additional rate taxpayer, you may qualify for extra tax relief. If this is the case we'll claim the first 20% tax relief for you and add it to your plan. You'll need to claim the additional tax relief through your tax return.

Tax relief may change. Its value depends on your individual circumstances. The information provided here is based on our understanding of current law and HM Revenue & Customs practice.

Relying on your property to fund your retirement income could be risky.

For a start, to release any cash you would need to move home and downsize. This could involve a lot of cost, such as paying stamp duty. Another alternative is equity release, which could prove an expensive way to raise the funds you need.

And having all your investments in one asset, is risky. If your money is tied up in a house, you are at the mercy of the property market when you need to sell. Look in to setting up a Pension.

We normally send you a note at the end of the tax year about how much income you've received. If you can't find this or haven't received it then contact us and we can give you the information you need.

For the 2016-17 tax year, you can invest up to £15,240 in a Stocks & Shares ISA. Your spouse or civil partner can invest the same, giving you a potential total investment of £30,480.

No, ISAs do not have to be included in your tax return to HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs). Tax rules may change in the future.

No. There is no fixed time limit for the stocks and shares ISA. You should view your ISA as a medium to long-term investment, which means it should usually be held for at least five years. You are able to withdraw money at any time.

It does not have a cash-in value and doesn't pay out at the end of the selected term.

The 50 Plus plan offers guaranteed life insurance for UK residents aged 50 to 80 at the start of the plan.

You pay monthly payments and after the first year it will guarantee you a cash lump sum when you die. You need to continue making your payments and should remember there is no cash in value at any time.

We want our customers to have the best service along with the affordable and straightforward cover they're looking for. For this reason we chose LV= who we believe provide all this and help us offer the range of products our customers want.

For instant registration, use our easy online registration form. We’ll send you a unique activation code (by phone, email or text) which you can use to set up your own user ID and password - and you’ll be able to log in to your plan straight away.

You can also choose to receive your activation code by post, which will take 7 - 10 days.

Or just call us on 0345 60 60 098 - Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Call charges will vary.

To log in click on the ‘Customer login’ button that you can find in the top right-hand corner of every page of standardlife.co.uk or go directly to the login page. Enter your user ID and click on the 'Log in' button.

If you have previously logged in to online services, once you have entered your user ID you will be asked to enter three characters from your chosen password.

Remember to keep your password information secure.

We'll never send out emails to existing customers that ask for security details or other confidential information from you.
When accessing our online facility, please ensure you login through this website - never go to any internet banking website from a link in an e-mail and then enter personal details.
If you receive an email that looks as if it has been sent from Standard Life requesting your Internet security or other confidential details, please do not respond to this or visit any site which the email may link to. You should forward the email to us on ukemails@standardlife.com and delete it.

Staying safe online can be easy and straightforward by applying some simple rules and knowing what the most common fraudster scams are.

For more detailed information, visit www.getsafeonline.org.

If it is a single life plan you can do this over the phone, please call us on 0800 634 7472. Call charges will vary. If it is a joint life plan we would need to speak to both plan holders on the same day or receive a letter signed by both parties. We may still need to request documentation from you and we'll let you know if this is required.

We'll write to you about 5-6 weeks before your plan matures to confirm what is going to happen. If the money is going back to the same account you paid us from and you are happy with that, no action is required. If you would prefer the money to go to a different account please call us on 0800 634 7478. Call charges will vary.

A lot depends on the type of plan that the deceased held. If you have any questions relating to a claim please call us on 0345 6060 031. Call charges will vary.

Yes you can get financial advice from Standard Life. We have experts on hand who can help you on the phone. Simply contact us. Standard Life Direct only advise on, and sell products from subsidiaries of Standard Life plc and some external providers

We’re UK based. You can find the telephone numbers on our contact us page.

Our people offer their time and skills through volunteering and charity secondments. Our strategic focus is employability - working with our people and other key stakeholders to deliver sustainable employment and build a future we can all look forward to.

We also support communities by donating time, facilities and other items, like computers and furniture, to schools, charities and other community groups.

Engaging our people with our sustainability activities creates a positive working environment and develops their skills and networks.

You can find out more by reading our  Sustainability Report.