Discover your options
When you reach age 55 (rising to age 57 from 6 April 2028), you get to choose how to take your pension money. And there are three ways you can do it. We’re here to help you get familiar with your options.
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You could choose a combination of two or even all three options.
And you don’t have to take your money when you reach 55. You can always choose to leave it where it is. To find out more, read our guide on leaving your money invested.
Compare your options
Option | Will you get a guaranteed income for life? | Does your remaining money stay invested? | Can you access your money at any time? | Can you pass on what’s left after you die? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Take a flexible income | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Take one or more lump sums | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Buy a guaranteed income for life (annuity) | Yes | No | No | No* |
Leave your money invested for now | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Usually you can't pass on your guaranteed income for life (annuity), but you could add on options.
For example, you could choose to pay a dependant’s pension after you die, to keep paying the income for a guaranteed period or to include value protection, which provides a lump sum death benefit.
Find an option that suits you
Don’t worry if you’re not sure which option is right for you – we have some handy tools and resources to help.
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