Income Drawdown plans are complex. It’s a good idea to get professional advice because what you decide now will affect your pension income for the rest of your life.

Income Drawdown is a more flexible alternative to the traditional annuity route, offering greater choice and control for many people.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Tax planning.

Benefits

You can put off buying an annuity, and instead withdraw a regular income or take adhoc withdrawals from the pension fund while the remainder of the fund stays invested. While the fund remains invested, you could benefit from growth in the market – and from ongoing advice.

Anyone from the age of 55 (expected to rise to 57 from 2028 and then remain 10 years below state pension age) can set up a Drawdown contract.

It could be suitable if you:

• want to vary your income over time, to reflect changes in your circumstances
• want your pension fund to continue benefitting from potential investment growth, and you’re prepared to accept the risk that the value of the fund may fall
• have other sources of income
• want to maximise the benefits your family receives upon your death, and also give more choice about how they receive these benefits
• are in ill health, and would like to pass on remaining assets to your estate
• want to control the time at which you buy an annuity
• want to maintain an active interest in managing your pension fund

A pension is a long term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend on the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation.