Yes. If you'd prefer not to speak to us directly, there are a few options available:

• You can tell us who you’d like to authorise to speak to us on your behalf and they can get information on your pension plan. They will not be able to make changes to your plan.
• You can also ask someone else to join you on a call with us. They could help to talk through your options or interpret if English is not your first language.
• You can also put a Power of Attorney in place which would allow them to make changes to your plan. You should seek independent legal advice if you are considering this option.

Take time to understand the impact money worries are having on you. Are you feeling anxious, stressed or not able to work? Does your mood have an impact on your spending? Are you avoiding certain tasks that will help you stay on top of your money? Once you start to understand your habits around money, you may feel more empowered to make a plan for future.

Mind, a mental health support charity, has a lot of great tips to help you get started

If a family member, loved one, friend or carer is stopping you from controlling your finances, you may be experiencing financial abuse.

Here are some key questions to ask:

• Are you being asked to account for everything you spend or stopped from buying essentials?
• Has your pension or other savings been withdrawn without your permission?
• Is your income from salary or benefits being controlled by someone else?
• Are you being stopped from having full access to your bank account?
• Have you been forced to take out credit cards or loans for someone else?
• Is someone claiming benefits in your name without your permission?

Find out how to take back control at MoneyHelper.

Please get in touch if you’d like to speak to us about taking back control of your Standard Life pension plan, our colleagues are trained to confidentially listen and help.

Standard Life is part of the Phoenix Group family and we’re proud that our chosen charity partner is the Samaritans. They are there to listen without judgement or pressure - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with money worries or struggling to cope with everyday life, contact them by phone, email or letter.

Samaritans.org

If you’re under age 55 and unable to work due to ill health, you may be able to access your pension savings earlier. If you’re terminally ill and have been told your life expectancy is less than a year, you may be able to access your full pension as a lump sum.

It’s best to get in touch so we can understand your situation. We can also help you complete the paperwork needed to evidence your eligibility to access your pension money. We’ll also help you understand if accessing your pension impacts your eligibility for other state benefits.

Find out more about the government rules around accessing your pension early

Organisations such as MacMillan Cancer Support and Turn2Us can provide one-off payments to help with household bills or travel to hospital whist you are undergoing treatment and unable to work. They can also help you check you’re receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.

• Visit MacMillan Cancer Support
• Turn2Us Response Fund