Answers · UK 2025/26
When can I access my private pension in the UK?
You can normally access your private pension from age 55 — rising to age 57 from 6 April 2028. You can take 25% tax-free (capped at £268,275 lifetime), with the rest taxed as income. State Pension is separate, currently from age 66.
Full answer
Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA) for accessing UK private pensions (workplace and personal) is 55 in 2025/26, rising to 57 on 6 April 2028 — this affects anyone born after 6 April 1971. Once you reach NMPA you can: take 25% of your pension as a tax-free lump sum (capped at the £268,275 Lump Sum Allowance, replacing the old Lifetime Allowance from April 2024); leave the rest invested (drawdown) and take taxable income flexibly; or buy an annuity to lock in guaranteed income. Taking any taxable cash triggers the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA), cutting future contribution tax relief to £10,000/year. Early access before NMPA is only allowed in narrow circumstances (serious ill health, certain protected schemes) — taking pension cash early via scam or "pension liberation" schemes triggers 55% tax plus potential criminal charges. State Pension is entirely separate and is available from State Pension Age, currently 66 for both men and women.
Try the calculator
Related guides
More answers
This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.