Knowing how much to save towards your pension can feel like a difficult choice.
See what retirement income you’re on track for now
There are ways to check if you’re on track for the retirement income you would like:
Benefit Statement
Every year we send active members an annual pension statement. This outlines how much pension you have built up so far, and what this could be worth at your Normal Retirement Age.
Modeller
You can find your pension figures in your most recent benefit statement. Please note, if you are age 64 or over, please contact the Pensions Office for a retirement quote
Are you on track tool
Boost your benefits
If, after you’ve checked whether you’re on track, you think you need to save more for your retirement, you can boost your pension by making Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to buy extra benefits.
You can choose:
- How much you want to pay in AVCs
- Whether to make regular payments
- Whether to make a one-off payment
Regular AVCs are deducted from your salary like your normal pension contributions. This means you can get tax relief (and National Insurance savings if you pay through PensionChoice).
Does it make a difference?
Mark is 28, earns £24,000 a year and doesn’t pay AVCs at the moment.
He found that by paying just an extra 1% of his salary, or £20 a month, he could receive an extra £522 a year in pension and £1,566 extra cash lump sum.
1. Think about your circumstances
You should also consider taking financial advice. To find a verified independent financial adviser near you, visit Unbiased – you would be personally responsible for any costs associated with obtaining this advice.
2. Start paying AVCs – it’s easy!
If you decide that making AVCs is for you, simply complete an AVC form and return it to the Pensions Office.