Get clued up on pensions

Get some pointers on your pension. Making the right decisions today could boost your retirement pot and make the future a whole lot brighter.

Your first stop should be to check out whether you can get a workplace pension. Paying into that will give you the extra bonus of employer contributions to swell your investment every month. If not, we have some other pension options that could suit you.

Always remember, investments can fall as well as rise in value, and you could get back less than has been paid in. If you're transferring a pension other risks may apply and you may need to get advice for which you'll need to pay.

Starting your pension

Sorting out a pension doesn’t have to be a head scratcher. We’ll help you get the ball rolling.

Open a pension

Our flexible pension puts you in control with a wide range of investment choices

Pension basics

Find out why pensions are an easy, tax-efficient way to save for retirement

How much to pay in?

Check what you should be putting aside in your pension to get the lifestyle you want

Building your pot

When you’re paying into your pension, every penny counts. Here are some pointers to help swell your savings.

Combine your pensions

Put all your pensions in one place. Make them easier to manage and get a clearer view of your money.

Make more of your money

Here are six simple tips that could boost your pension balance.

Plan for the future

We’ve got a range of articles to help you boost your pension knowledge.

Using your pension

You’ve put in the hard work investing for your future. Now it’s time to focus on spending your nest egg, your way.

Income drawdown

Dip into your pension pot and take lump sums when you need them.

Taking your money

There’s a range of ways to spend your pension, so it fits your lifestyle.

Get set for retirement

We'll answer your pension questions and give you tips on ways to boost your retirement pot.

Tools to plan your pension

Workplace pensions

Get to grips with your workplace pension. We've got the information you need to make the most of it.

Explore workplace pensions

Transfer to your Aviva workplace pension

Manage your pension online

We’ve made it easy to do your pension admin online with MyAviva or MyWorkplace. If you don't already have an account, you'll just need your policy number and email address to register.

Depending on your pension, you’ll be able to change investments and check their value, make payments and update information like beneficiaries and your retirement age.

MyAviva

For personal pensions, plus workplace pensions beginning TK or SP. Or download the MyAviva app.

MyWorkplace

For workplace pensions with an account number starting GS or a membership number starting with F. If you've already got a MyAviva account, you can use your details to log in to MyWorkplace.

Pension FAQs

What happens to my pension if I leave or move jobs?

Your pension is yours no matter where you work. If you change jobs, you have a few options:

You can ask your new employer to pay into your existing pension. Bear in mind they don’t have to do this and may choose not to.
Transfer your funds to your new employer’s pension scheme.
You could also transfer your money to a personal pension or a SIPP (Self invested personal pension) if you're a more confident investor and ask your employer to make contributions to that, if they allow it.
Join your new employer’s pension scheme, but keep your existing pension separate. You could choose to contribute to both if terms allow you to.
If you're over 55 (57 from 2028) and move jobs, there's also the option to start taking your pension benefits.

For more information about your options if you have an Aviva pension, see leaving a job with an Aviva pension.

Can I combine my pension plans?

Yes, you can usually transfer your pensions to one place. This could be with us, or another provider. Make sure you think about charges, funds, and benefits you could lose before you make your decision. Find out more about pension transfers.

If you’re unsure about your options, we recommend you seek financial advice before transferring or combining your pensions and you may be charged for this advice. If you don’t have an adviser, we can help with free pension support or personalised advice. Get the pension support you need.

Are there any charges or penalties for transferring my pension?

This depends on the type of pension you have and its rules. Make sure you check these with your current pension provider. We won’t charge you to transfer to our Aviva Pension.

How can I avoid pension scams?

Scammers may try to tempt you with offers of accessing your pension funds before you’re allowed to. Be wary of cold calls or anyone pressuring you to make a quick decision to cash in your pension. Find out more about pension scams.

Pensions and tax relief

You can get tax relief on your personal contributions up to 100% of your relevant UK earnings. If the total of all contributions, in the tax year, exceeds the standard annual allowance of £60,000 you may be liable to a separate tax charge. If you're a basic rate taxpayer, for every £100 you put in, you'll get £25 tax relief. If you're a higher or additional rate taxpayer, you may be able to claim extra tax relief.

Bear in mind that if you earn more than £200,000, or you've accessed the money 'flexibly' – meaning you've taken a taxable lump sum or started withdrawing a flexible income – your annual allowance may reduce to as little as £10,000.

The annual allowance resets on 6April each year, in line with the tax year. If you use it all, you may be able to ‘carry forward’ any unused annual allowance from the previous three tax years.

Tax rules are subject to change and are dependent on individual circumstances.

Read about pension tax relief.

Pension updates

Changes to the minimum pension age

The age you can take your pension is going up

Explore retirement ages

Pension tax relief

Check pension tax relief rates for 2023/2024

Explore pension tax relief

Thinking about a pension?

Our flexible, Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) could be right for you.

Explore our SIPP

More pension help

Pension Wise

If you’re over 50, you can get free, impartial, government-backed guidance on your retirement options. Just call 0800 138 3944 or visit Pension Wise.

Financial advice

If you need help to make pension decisions, speak to Aviva Financial Advice.