Your normal retirement age from the Plan is 65 but you can draw your benefits at any age from 55. There is no upper age limit for drawing your benefits.

If you were an active member of the Plan on 5 April 2006, you can take your retirement benefits at any time after you have reached age 50. 

If you joined the Plan on or after 6 April 2006, you can take your retirement benefits at any time after you reach the statutory minimum retirement age, currently 55.

You may be able to retire earlier than 55 if you suffer from ill-health. Once you have left the Company's employment you can take your benefits at any age, from 55 onwards.

Pension Wise is a free and impartial government service which has been launched to help over 50s understand the options available at retirement. You can get guidance on your options or, if you prefer to speak to someone, you will be able to talk to an impartial guidance specialist on the phone or face-to-face. They will talk about the steps you can take to turn your retirement savings into income for your retirement. Visit www.pensionwise.gov.uk or call 0300 330 1001 for further details.

Members who require financial advice based on the details of their individual financial circumstances instead of general guidance, will need to speak to an independent financial adviser (IFA), who is likely to charge for their services. Visit www.unbiased.co.uk to find an IFA near you.

You should note that neither the Trustees, the Company nor the Experian Pensions team are able to provide you with financial advice. 

Click here for details of what you might get when you retire.

Can I delay taking my benefits until after age 65?
If you want to take your benefits after age 65 you may do so. You will need to consider your retirement date when you choose your investments.

What if I need to retire because of ill health?
You may be able to take your benefits before age 55 if you are no longer able to work due to permanent ill health. The Company and the Trustees would have to approve your retirement in such circumstances. You may be able to buy an annuity on special terms. If you have serious ill health, where your life expectancy is under a year, you may be entitled to a one-off lump sum payment of the whole of your retirement savings.

How do I buy an annuity?
A free annuity purchase service is available through Hargreaves Lansdown, to guide you through the many annuity options available at retirement. However, you can also search for your own annuity on the ‘open market’ from any insurance company. You will be given further details before you retire.