Pension Ages - minimum and maximum

The minimum age at which pension benefits can be taken is 55.*

Ill health exception - a pension may be paid at any age, and, (if life expectancy is declared, by medical experts, to be less than one year) can be provided as a lump sum.

There is now no maximum age for pensions to commence (whereas prior to April 2011 an annuity could not be taken out after age 75.)

* Prior to April 2006 some professions were granted a dispensation to retire early (eg some sports people and dancers). If you fit into such a category and accrued rights under a pension before 2006, it may be possible to protect your rights to retire early. Consult your financial adviser.

Last updated on April 06, 2012