Pension options at the age of 55

Despite remaining complex, pensions offer you far more flexibility from the age of 55 (rising to 57 from 6 April 2028) than was once possible.

If you are approaching 55, you might be feeling a twinge of trepidation or excitement that you could soon become “a pensioner” as this is the age at which you are allowed to access some pension savings.

For some it may not be a moment too soon. The economic burden of COVID-19 has raised the spectre of redundancy for more people, while inflation is on the rise and interest rates remain low. Fuel shortages and empty shelves add to the general feeling of uncertainty, and some fear a deep recession.

Others might be more relaxed, and might not really be thinking of drawing any pension income for many years, but still interested to know the current state of play.

One thing’s for sure – there have been many rule changes since you began saving into a pension. There’s generally far more flexibility than there once was but, as you would expect with pensions, there’s also the same old complexity.

Here’s what you can and can’t do from the age of 55, along with the pros and cons of drawing money from this age.

Read more on the pension options at the age of 55 here.