We aim to make our website as accessible as possible. However if you use a screen reader and require debt advice you may find it easier to phone us instead. Our phone number is 0 8 0 0 1 3 8 1 1 1 1. Freephone (including all mobiles).

Retirement and debt

Pensions, debt and your savings

If you have savings in a personal or workplace pension, you may be able to access a lump sum of money from this before retirement, usually when you turn 55. But should you use your pension to repay your debts?

In the past, most people could take up to 25% of their pension fund as a tax-free cash lump sum. But from April 2015 this changed. Many people now find that they can take out their whole pension in cash before they even retire.

Are you claiming a pension and struggling with debt?

Money worries?

Find out how we can help you.

Get help now

Can I use my pension to repay debts?

If you've been struggling with problem debt and you're approaching the age where you could draw a lump sum of money from your pension, this may seem like a quick way to pay off your debts.

This might be a good idea for some people, but for others it may mean you have less available for your retirement. Money you take from your pension at 55 could leave you with a lower monthly income for the rest of your life.

We can give you expert help to deal with your debts, but you need a different kind of help to make decisions about your pension. It's important you get guidance from a pension expert before you decide what to do with your pension savings.

Where can I get help with pensions?

There are two types of guidance available about pensions, depending on what help you need.

Regulated financial advice

This help is given by an independent financial advisor (IFA). An IFA is qualified to give you advice about your own circumstances and recommend the best course of action for you. They can also recommend specific types of annuity or investment product. In most cases you will need to pay for an IFA's services.

Money Helper has a guide to choosing a financial advisor on their website which includes links to other sites to help you find a local IFA. Alternatively you can call MAS on 0300 500 5000 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-1pm)

General pension information

This is impartial information provided by Government-backed organisations. This help is available free from:

These organisations can give you all the facts you need to make your own decisions about your pension. But they can’t tell you what is the best course of action and they can't recommend specific products or investments.

Free and confidential debt advice

We can help if you're finding it difficult to pay your debts on your pension. Our online advice tool can help you find a solution in around 20 minutes. We also have a team of friendly advisors who give free debt advice over the telephone.