You can transfer your benefits out of the Scheme
You can transfer your deferred benefits to another arrangement as long as it is registered with HM Revenue & Customs; this could be:
- A new employer’s pension scheme (if it is able and willing to accept transfers in) or
- A personal pension arrangement
Taking a transfer from the Scheme is not right for everyone and we strongly advise that you discuss what a transfer means for you with an independent financial adviser before making a decision.
If your Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) is £30,000 or more, under current legislation, you must obtain financial advice from an independent financial adviser and provide the Scheme Administrator with evidence this has been done before they can pay your CETV to your new pension arrangement.
Pension scams
Thousands of people have lost their pension savings after falling for a pension scam. Pension scammers target members of pension schemes with promises of instant cash and ‘creative’ or ‘unique’ investment opportunities.
Please read and consider the following steps to help you avoid becoming the victim of a scam:
- Be wary of cold calls and unsolicited texts or emails. Scammers will often claim they’re from Pension Wise or other government departments, but these organisations would never phone or text to offer a pension review. Since autumn 2016, it has been illegal for all companies, including legitimate businesses, to cold-call people to sell pension products, but you may still be targeted by email, text, or doorstep sellers.
- Don’t be rushed into a decision. Scammers will try to pressure you with ‘time-limited offers’ or send a courier to your door to wait while you sign documents. Take your time to make all the checks you need, even if this means turning down an attractive offer.
- Don’t fall for ‘guaranteed’ returns. You can never guarantee returns on an investment.
- Make sure your adviser is on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) approved register. Scammers may pose as financial advisers, so always check that yours is registered on the FCA website. You can also check the FCA’s list of known scams.
- If you have doubts, ask MoneyHelper to help you. You can call them on 0300 123 1047 or visit the website. MoneyHelper also have a useful tool you can use to help you identify a scam, this can be found at www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/scams
- Read the Pensions Regulator’s pension scams booklet which provides more information on how to protect your pension.
If you have already signed something you’re now unsure about, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and contact the Scheme Administrator immediately. They may be able to stop a transfer that hasn’t taken place yet.