Interaction: State benefits and pensions freedom

State benefits and pensions freedom

clock

Aileen Lynch assesses the impact of pension freedom and choice on state benefits distributed by the DWP...

A big concern for advisers during the advice process is to ensure that recommendations provided do not cause the client to be disadvantaged in relation to state benefits. This is a key area for consideration when providing advice to those approaching retirement, making a decision to retire, or are post-retirement when income is likely to be lower than during the years of work, as well as pre-retirement should health or personal circumstances dictate. At this time, the effect of pension funds and whether crystallisation has or should, take place will have a material effect on the clien...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Women's pensions: Why the gender savings gap opens at age 28

Women's pensions: Why the gender savings gap opens at age 28

Women in their late 50s hold 48% less in their pension than men

Rachel Vahey
clock 11 June 2026 • 3 min read
DC pension pot growth points to increased fraud risk, pensions minister warns

DC pension pot growth points to increased fraud risk, pensions minister warns

Torsten Bell says expanding DC pots will attract increased fraudster attention

Martin Richmond
clock 11 June 2026 • 2 min read
Revised transfer regs widely backed but industry calls for 'clear and practical' guidance

Revised transfer regs widely backed but industry calls for 'clear and practical' guidance

DWP makes key changes to traffic-light transfer conditions

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 10 June 2026 • 7 min read