Pension Release Rules

The issues surrounding pension release rules can be very complicated and difficult to understand. However, the problem can lie with the fact that if you have a little knowledge you may believe you already know what you need to in order to make a decision, whereas the reality could be very different.

Obvious though this may sound "you don't know what you don't know".

That is why it is vital to seek professional help and make sure you have full knowledge of pension release rules. An obvious area that frequently gets missed by the layperson is the interaction of state benefits or income tax.

Certain state benefits are means tested and could be affected by either a cash sum released or income. The problem is, knowing which ones. Professional advisers are obligated to have a very thorough understanding of the interaction of state benefits and pension release rules. It is impossible to be 100% sure as even state benefits vary with individual circumstances and frequently, the ultimate decision will be made at the local benefits agency. However, an advisor should be able to provide a robust indication of how things work.

For example, someone in receipt of Council Tax Benefit is normally allowed to have savings of up to £6,000 without affecting the amount of benefits received. This means, if you don't already have any savings and want to take a cash sum from your pension of £6,000, pension release rules indicate your Council Tax benefit would not be affected.

If income is taken from a pension early, this could also affect Council Tax Benefit, however, usually other state benefits are being taken as well and it is the interaction of these that could affect the exact way. Because of this complication it is more difficult for pension unlocking rules to be precise and it would always be advisable to go direct to the local benefits agency first, before actually releasing and funds early, and establish exactly how benefits could be affected.

The issue with income tax surrounds the fact that any income taken from a pension is classed as earned income. As a result it would be added to any other income received and taxed accordingly. Pension release rules ensure a professional advisor should be able to inform you if what you want to take income from your pension, could it push you from being a basic rate tax payer into the higher rate tax bracket.

As can be seen, pension release rules are complicated and deciding whether taking money from your pension early is not necessarily as simple as you might think at first glance. Always seek professional help, if only to point out the main issue that concern your specific situation.

Fill in your details below to receive your no obligation Pension Release Enquiry Form.

(* = required field)
Title *

First Name *

Surname *

Telephone

Address 1 *

Address 2

Address 3

Town *

County

Post Code *

Date of birth *
Day Month Year

Tick here if you are NOT a UK resident

A wealth of experience in Pension Release..

Grove's founder started in financial services over 25 years ago in 1982.

As a company, Grove Pension Release has built up a specialist team of people to deal specifically with your enquiry.

The experience of the team individuals ranges from the least experienced juniors who deal with non technical administration duties, to the most experienced member of our team having started in the industry 44 years ago.

This wealth of knowledge and understanding is vital in providing you with the level of service you require.

We will guarantee a friendly and professional service with all enquiries being dealt with in a courteous and efficient manner.

You are treated as an individual and with the respect you deserve.