Wondering what will happen when you stop working? If you’re a UK resident you have a wide range of choices when it comes to planning your retirement. As a matter of fact, many different pension schemes have been created in order to ensure a stable economic future for as many people as possible. But let’s go back and deepen the subject of pensions: what is really a pension and how does it work? A pension, which can also be called a retirement plan, is a long-term savings scheme intended to provide an income through which you’ll be able to live your years after work. As mentioned above, the UK Government has created many different plans, each of which has been designed for certain categories of workers.
The pension schemes have different characteristics and requisites, in particular the retirement age, which varies according to the plan the holder chooses. The retirement age, in fact, refers to the date from which it will be possible to withdraw the savings deposited into the fund. In this regard, the average amount people have in savings differs by age. That’s why the average savings by age 60 is generally higher than those of people aged 25-35. On the other hand, when it comes to the State pension, which is one of the most popular pension schemes in the UK – things work differently. As a matter of fact, the state pension is a recurring payment on behalf of the British Government which is exclusively based on one’s previous National Insurance contributions. If you turn out to be eligible for the state pension, you will be granted a pre-established sum as soon as you reach the pensionable age, which for the state pension is currently set at 66 years old.
State pension’s eligibility
Even though the state pension is one of the most popular retirement plans, not everyone is eligible to get it. In fact, you have to meet some strict requirements to be able to get it.
In fact, in order to get the state pension, you have to be a woman born on or before April 5, 1953. And if you’re a man, you have to be born on or before April 5, 1951.
The other pension plans available for UK residents
As mentioned above, if you like in the United Kingdom, you have many options at your disposal to better plan your future days. In fact, the state pension is only one of the plans available for you. Let’s have a look at the other options.
The occupational pension
The occupational pension can also be called workplace pension and it consists of a plan designed for employees. It is indeed the most popular plan available for British citizens: when you open one, both you and your employer will be required to deposit a percentage of your salary. This sum will gradually build your pension pot. You will also be able to count on the Government’s support, which will contribute through tax relief. Today, British citizens also have the chance to choose between two different types of occupational pension. The defined contribution pension scheme is the most basic plan: as already mentioned, both you and your boss will periodically contribute to building your pot. Also, you should know that the money you deposit will always be invested. This way, your money will have a chance to mature. Keep in mind that investing is risky and every investment will always depend on the market’s volatility.
That’s why the sum you get will always be unpredictable. You can also opt for the defined benefit pension scheme: in this case, you’ll be granted a predetermined amount as soon as you reach the age of 55 years old.
The personal pension
The personal pension, which can also be called private pension, is another common plan for British citizens, which has been designed to give freelancers and self-employed workers the chance to plan their economic future. In fact, this scheme gives independent workers more freedom when it comes to choosing how much and how often to deposit on the fund.
