Transferring out means swapping your future benefits in the Scheme for a one-off sum of money that is transferred into a different pension arrangement.
Transferring out can give some members more choice about how and when they use their pension benefits. It is only an option for non-pensioners up to their normal retirement age (which is usually 65).
The sum of money that you could transfer out is known as a ‘cash equivalent transfer value’, ‘CETV’ or ‘transfer value’. To find out what the transfer value of your benefits would be, you ask the Pensions Office for a transfer value quote. This quote is valid for a ‘guarantee period’, which is normally up to three months.
You should think carefully before transferring out. You would be giving up guaranteed future pension income in return for income that might not be guaranteed and could vary depending on how you manage it. You should take independent financial advice – and legally must do so if your transfer value is over £30,000. You should be very careful to avoid scammers and unscrupulous financial advisers.
Before the transfer value can be paid to your new scheme you will have to provide a signed statement from the independent adviser confirming you have taken appropriate advice and the adviser was authorised to give your advice.
Taking advice, whilst important in being able to assess all your options, can be very daunting and can often be very expensive. In recognition of this a Guide to Good Practice for financial advisers has been created by the Personal Finance Society. We strongly suggest you read this to help you understand what good practice looks like.
You can find authorised financial advisers by searching the Financial Conduct Authority register (https://register.fca.org.uk/) or contacting the Citizens Advice Bureau. Also check to see whether the adviser carries the Gold Standard mark.
Even though transfer values can seem very large, transferring out is unlikely to give you as much total pension income over your lifetime as the Scheme, on a like-for-like basis.
The Pensions Office will give you a transfer quote within three months of receiving the request. The transfer value quoted will be guaranteed for a three-month period, starting from the date it was calculated.
Pension scams
If you are thinking of transferring your benefits to another pension provider, then you should exercise extreme caution. Be aware of scams, particularly watch out for scams related to the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Beware of people contacting you out of the blue wanting to discuss your pension, adverts offering ‘free pension reviews’ or promises of better returns on your savings, upfront cash. Once you have transferred your benefits to one of these organisations, it is often too late to do anything about it. You could lose your entire pension savings and be asked to pay a large tax bill as well.
For further information about pension scams, visit www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/pension-scams. You should also visit ScamSmart, which has specific guidance relating to Covid-19, and the Money and Pensions Service.
All members requesting a CETV quote are encouraged to read a statement prepared jointly by TPR, the FCA, and the Pensions Advisory Service which contains important information on points the members should consider before making a decision and where they should go for impartial guidance.
New regulations for schemes to process pension
transfers came into force on 30 November 2021. The Trustees must ensure new
specific checks are made before they can comply with a member’s request to
transfer their pension. These checks will determine whether the request meets
the new statutory conditions to enable a transfer to proceed, including whether
a member is required to obtain guidance from MoneyHelper,
a free impartial service.