Defined benefit pension advice

Defined benefit pension options, simplified

You can get our expert, personalised advice if you have £300,000 or more in total across all your pension and investment savings.

Why get advice on your defined benefit pension?

Defined benefit (DB) pensions are also known as final salary pensions. The amount you get at retirement depends on your salary and how long you’ve worked for your employer. DB pension schemes all work differently and can be complicated to understand.

Aviva Financial Advice can help you review your defined benefit pension. And if you want to know whether you’d be better off with a defined benefit pension transfer or leaving it in place, they can refer you to a specialist who has the licence to give advice in this area.

Look ahead with confidence

Defined benefit pensions are complex. Your adviser will know how to navigate this, including when to refer you to a specialist colleague.

A plan that’s unique to you

Everyone’s situation and approach to retirement is different. We’ll design a bespoke plan centred around your specific needs and long-term goals.

We’re here for you

You don't need an Aviva pension to get advice from us. We're able to recommend products across the market.

What is a CETV and do I need one?

A cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) is the amount you can transfer from a pension. You must work with a financial adviser if your defined benefit pension is worth £30,000 or more. They’ll use your CETV to work out how much you can transfer from your pension.

I’ve got a CETV icon I’ve got a CETV

If your current pension provider has already given you a CETV, let your adviser know straight away. This can speed things up.

I don't have a CETV icon I don't have a CETV

Don’t worry if you haven’t got a CETV yet, your adviser will do this for you. Don’t ask for one in the meantime, this might slow things down.

Why choose us?

If you’re looking for defined benefit advice you can trust, we’re here to help.

None of our advisers work on commission for defined benefit advice – their focus is on giving best advice rather than selling products.

Choose an adviser that’s local to you, if you prefer to do things in person. Or speak to us online or over the phone – whatever suits you best.

As part of the Aviva group, you're backed by a trusted name. We've got deep roots in financial services and a long-standing commitment to customer wellbeing.

There's no cost for your first call with us, or for your first meeting with an adviser. We'll always be up-front with you about our fees, and there's no obligation to go ahead. So you can explore your options pressure-free.

Work out which direction to take

It can be hard to know whether to go ahead with financial advice, especially when there’s costs involved. Our advisers offer a no-obligation, no-cost chat to help you decide. Or, we’ve got other tools available to help you work out what to do next.

Find a path to financial confidence icon Find a path to financial confidence

Stuck on where to go next for help with your finances? Use the Aviva Wealth Compass to help you figure out your next steps.

Get our guide to financial advice icon Get our guide to financial advice

See how our financial advisers can help you in more detail, from planning your future to when you're nearing retirement.

Learn about pension and retirement planning

Find out how to get yourself ready for pension advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is a defined benefit (DB) pension transfer?

A defined benefit transfer is when your DB pension is transferred to a defined contribution pension. You’ll need to get advice before transferring if your DB pension is worth £30,000 or more.

Will I still pay an advice fee if my adviser recommends against transferring my defined benefit (DB) pension?

This is still seen as financial advice, so there will still be a fee. Your adviser will have looked carefully at your DB pension to make sure transferring it would be in your best interests.

Is a defined benefit (DB) pension transfer my only option?

No, you're not necessarily tied to either transferring or keeping your DB pension. Your adviser might suggest transferring part of your pension. They'll talk through all the possibilities and recommend whatever they think is best for you.

What is a defined benefit (DB) pension plan?

A DB pension is a type of retirement income based on your salary and how long you've built up benefits in your employer's scheme. You might hear them being called a final salary or career average pension plan. You can read our article on defined benefit pensions if you need more information.

What’s the difference between a defined benefit (DB) pension and a defined contribution (DC) pension?

The main difference between these two types of pension is how they pay out at retirement. With a DB pension, it’s usually based on your salary and how long you’ve had the pension for. A DC pension income is based on how much you and your employer pay in, and how well the money invested performs. Read our article about the differences in more detail.

What are my options?

How can I get financial advice?

You can get our expert, personalised advice if you have £300,000 or more in total across all your pension and investment savings.

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Request a call with one of the team at a time that works for you.

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Get in touch with us on 0800 092 3107.


We’re available Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.

What if I’m not ready to get advice?

If you don't have £300,000 or more in total across your pension and investment savings, or you're not sure financial advice is for you, don’t worry. We’ve got lots of helpful guides, tools and other information to help you manage your money.