Most popular Steve Webb columns on private pensions: The 12 hot topics
by Steve Webb for This Is Money · Mail OnlineThis is Money columnist Steve Webb receives many questions about private pensions. We've compiled his columns on 12 frequently raised topics below.
1. Tax free lump sums
I'm allowed a 33% tax-free lump sum from a pension so why is HMRC blocking me from taking it?
Will Labour scrap the 25% tax-free pension lump sum and should I take mine now so I don't lose it?
SCROLL DOWN TO FIND OUT HOW TO ASK STEVE YOUR PENSION QUESTION
If I take 25% tax-free cash from my pensions can I then pay more into them?
2. Financial advisers
I'm going to see a financial adviser about my pension - but what should I ask them?
3. Finding lost pensions
Can you help me find a long lost pension? Tips for finding old pots that can be worth many thousands
4. Tax issues
When will low earners start to get tax relief on their pension contributions?
STEVE WEBB ANSWERS YOUR PENSION QUESTIONS
- I'm worried that means-tested pensions might come in before I retire - how likely is it?
- I'm disabled and can't work, so how do I build up a state pension?
- Why is HMRC blocking me from taking a 33% tax-free lump sum from a pension?
- DWP told me I can't inherit state pension because my late husband died too young - is that true?
- Starting to get my state pension means I have to pay income tax - wjhat steps do I take?
- How do I find a long lost pension? STEVE WEBB tracks down a pot worth thousands
- Why has my state pension suddenly stopped and how do I get it restarted?
- How much tax will I pay on a deferred state pension lump sum under pre-2016 rules?
- Will Labour end the 25% tax-free pension lump sum and should I take mine now to protect it?
- How do I protect my pension against tax changes by Labour?
- When will low earners get tax relief on pension contributions?
5. Pension withdrawals
Why does Nest have stricter rules on taking money out and tax than other pension schemes?
Would I be better off taking an NHS pension at 55 or holding on until I'm 60?
How can I avoid paying 'emergency tax' to HMRC on my £20,000 pension withdrawal?
6. Annual increases
7. Annuities
8. Moving pensions
Why am I being asked intrusive questions about moving my pension - and can I refuse to answer?
The cash transfer value of my pension has dropped by £300k: Why wasn't I warned?
9. Pension Protection Fund
10. Starting a pension late
I'm a 45-year-old professional, rent my home and have no pension - should I worry?
11. Rogue employers
My son's new employer has no pension – what can he do?
12. Inheriting pensions
Ask Steve Webb a pension question
Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb is This Is Money's Agony Uncle.
He is ready to answer your questions, whether you are still saving, in the process of stopping work, or juggling your finances in retirement.
Steve left the Department of Work and Pensions after the May 2015 election. He is now a partner at actuary and consulting firm Lane Clark & Peacock.
If you would like to ask Steve a question about pensions, please email him at pensionquestions@thisismoney.co.uk.
Steve will do his best to reply to your message in a forthcoming column, but he won't be able to answer everyone or correspond privately with readers. Nothing in his replies constitutes regulated financial advice. Published questions are sometimes edited for brevity or other reasons.
Please include a daytime contact number with your message - this will be kept confidential and not used for marketing purposes.
If Steve is unable to answer your question, you can also contact MoneyHelper, a Government-backed organisation which gives free assistance on pensions to the public. It can be found here and its number is 0800 011 3797.
Steve receives many questions about state pension forecasts and COPE – the Contracted Out Pension Equivalent. If you are writing to Steve on this topic, he responds to a typical reader question about COPE and the state pension here.
SIPPS FOR DIY PENSION INVESTORS
0.25% funds fee
Online dealing starting from £1.50
Flexible service
Free fund dealing available
£9.99 monthly fee
Good for frequent traders
Reduced Sipp fee
0.2% fee for ready-made portfolios
Service fee 0.35%
Flexible retirement options
Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. This does not affect our editorial independence.
> Compare the best investing platform for you