UK retirement, made simple
Can you actually retire?
The government sites are dry. Your pension provider wants you to log in. We give you the answer — in plain English, in 30 seconds.
Can you retire?
Verdict bands based on the UK Retirement Living Standards (PLSA, 2025/26). Assumes 3.5% real return pre-retirement, 2.0% in drawdown, today's money. Educational — not regulated advice.
At a glance
UK retirement, in five numbers.
One side of paper. Five pillars. Every figure sourced to GOV.UK, HMRC or the FCA and kept up to date for the 2026/27 tax year.
- 01 State Pension £241.30/wk — age rising 66 → 67 by 2028
- 02 Drawdown 25% tax-free — from age 55, 57 from April 2028
- 03 Equity release 6.95% — debt doubles every ~10 years
- 04 Personal Allowance £12,570 — frozen; pensions enter IHT estate April 2027
- 05 Care means test £23,250 — LPA fee just £82
Five pillars
Where would you like to start?
How much State Pension you will get, your State Pension age, Pension Credit, and other benefits for pensioners.
Explore →02Turning a pension pot into income — drawdown, annuities, the 25% tax-free lump sum and safe withdrawal rates.
Explore →03Lifetime mortgages, retirement interest-only mortgages, costs, risks and alternatives — explained in plain English.
Explore →04Tax on the State Pension, drawdown, lump sums, emergency tax codes, marriage allowance and inheritance tax.
Explore →05Care fees, downsizing, retiring with a mortgage, helping elderly parents and lasting power of attorney.
Explore →Work out your State Pension age, how long a pension pot might last, and the tax on your withdrawals.
Most read
Popular guides this week
When you can claim under the new 66→67 timetable.
Read →Full new State Pension rates and qualifying NI years.
Read →Drawdown and annuity examples for a £100k pot.
Read →A clear comparison of the two main retirement income options.
Read →How lifetime mortgages work, and what to watch out for.
Read →Including how to avoid emergency tax on your first withdrawal.
Read →Why us
Independent. Sourced. Reviewed.
We do not sell financial products. Guides are written to help, not to push you anywhere.
Every money page cites GOV.UK, MoneyHelper, HMRC or the FCA. We link straight to the original rule.
Pages show a "last reviewed" date and a named author so you know the figures are current.
Common questions
- When can I claim the UK State Pension?
- In 2026 the State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028, depending on your date of birth. Use our State Pension age calculator to check yours.
- How much pension income will I need?
- The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) Retirement Living Standards put a "moderate" single retirement at roughly £31,300 a year and "comfortable" at around £43,100, including the State Pension.
- Is equity release a good idea?
- Equity release is a long-term loan secured against your home. Interest rolls up, it reduces what you can leave to family, and it can affect means-tested benefits. Always look at alternatives such as downsizing first.