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Planning my retirement

2-5 years before retirement date
  • Read the ‘preparing for retirement checklist’ on www.moneyadviceservice.org
  • Review your annual benefit statements.  Find out what your LGPS pension will provide you in retirement
  • Make sure you really understand your LGPS options at retirement and when you will be eligible to receive it
  • Find out what basic state pension you’re entitled to at www.gov.uk
  • Consider which costs you will still need to meet in retirement? Be realistic about expenses such as utility bills, internet costs, mobile phone charges, and holidays
  • Will you find another job, perhaps part time? Think about how much you’ll need from your pension, to bridge the gap with any earnings
  • Think about whether you’d like to take a regular income from your pension or whether you would prefer a pot of cash, including any tax free allowance, to do something different in retirement
  • If you’re 50 or over you can also access free and impartial guidance from www.pensionwise.gov.uk, this service is available on the internet, over the telephone or face-to-face
  • Plan what will happen to your pension and estate if you die including any tax implications
  • If necessary obtain financial advice or independent guidance
12 –18 months before intended retirement date

Step 1 – Request an estimate of your pension benefits from the Cheshire Pension Fund by completing the online form here

Step 2 – The Fund will provide estimated figures

Step 3 – If you wish to proceed to retirement, find out if your employer offers a pre retirement course and register your interest

6 months before retirement date
  • Review your pension statements to get an accurate picture of your income in retirement
  • Find out what basic state pension you’re entitled to, and when you will be eligible to receive it www.gov.uk
  • Determine the best option/s for taking your pension savings to meet your financial and lifestyle needs (i.e. regular payments or a lump sum)
  • Update your LGPS beneficiary information
  • Set a date for a pre-retirement meeting with your employer
  • Let the taxman know you’re retiring because your change of status will affect your tax code
  • Check whether you have any pensions you may have forgotten about? Visit www.gov.uk/find-lost-pension for more information.
  • Budget for changes in your day-to-day spending after you retire
  • If necessary obtain financial advice or independent guidance
  • It’s not too late to get free and impartial guidance www.pensionwise.gov.uk