Pensions can be fairly complicated, which is why it is important for people to seek guidance. Following the chancellor’s pension reforms in 2015, the government established a free and impartial guidance service, Pension Wise, to help people understand the new pension landscape and make better use of their pensions. The Pension Wise service can be accessed by anyone over the age of 50 with a UK defined contribution pension, which is a pension based on how much has been paid into your pot.
These are not final salary or career-averaged pensions and the usual age rules may not apply if people have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Pension Wise guiders will not tell people what to do but will help them make sense of their options and decide whether, when and how their savings can work best for their later life.
Citizens Advice Darlington is offering Pension Wise appointments across the County. The team also offers Pension Wise appointments at Macmillan Cancer Information and Support centres across County Durham, including Bishop Auckland, Peterlee and Durham, which are run by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. Neeraj Sharma, chief executive of Citizens Advice Darlington, said: “Hopefully Pension Wise will help enlighten people about their options. Professional guidance will be crucial to ensure people understand what is available to them and to help them make the right decision for their personal circumstances.” Pension Wise guidance specialists are impartial.
They do not recommend any products or companies and will not tell you how to invest your money. Clients in the Darlington area can now access the Pension Wise website to book appointments. The website gives people the option to select their preferred time and location, and the Pension Wise team later confirm the appointment with them. This means that Pension Wise appointments can be booked easily online at any time. If you do not have access to a computer, you can also book an appointment with the Pension Wise guiders at Citizens Advice Darlington by phoning 0300 330 1001. You can also visit the Pension Wise website at www.pensionwise.gov.uk For more information contact: Jo Kelly, Citizens Advice Darlington; 01325 256999; email jo.kelly@darlingtoncab. co.uk
