Other guides in this series

A guide to your pension options (PM1)
This gives a general summary of the pensions system and suggests things you should think about.

State pensions – Your guide (PM2)
This guide explains whether you are likely to get a State Pension and how we work out state pensions. It includes more details about the State Second Pension, including examples of how it can help people in different circumstances.

Occupational pensions – Your guide (PM3)
You will find this guide helpful if you are working for an employer who runs a pension scheme and you are a member of the scheme or are thinking of joining.

Personal pensions – Your guide (PM4)
If you are thinking about a personal pension, this guide tells you the sort of questions you should be asking and how you can decide if a personal pension is best for you.

Pensions for the self-employed – Your guide (PM5)
If you are self-employed, you have fewer options but you still have important decisions to make. This guide tells you how you can decide what will be best for you.

Pensions for women – Your guide (PM6)
If you are a woman, the pattern of your working life may be different from a man’s. For example, you may be more likely to have a career break to raise a family. This guide gives you an idea of the options available, and what you should think about when you plan your pension.

Contracted-out pensions – Your guide (PM7)
This guide gives you information about contracting out of (leaving) the additional State Pension (SERPS or State Second Pension).

Stakeholder pensions – Your guide (PM8)
This guide tells you what you need to think about before taking out a stakeholder pension. It will help you decide whether this kind of pension is best for you.

State pensions for carers and parents – Your guide (PM9)
If you have given up work and aren’t earning very much because you are caring for someone, this guide may help you. It explains what to do to make sure you get as much State Pension as you can in the future.

To order copies of the guides, you can call us on 0845 7 31 32 33. The line is open 24 hours. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 604 0210.

Or, you can write to us at Pension Guide, Freepost, Bristol BS38 7WA. (You don’t need a stamp.)

You can also see the guides on our website at www.pensionguide.gov.uk

All guides are available in Welsh, on audiotape and in Braille.

For more information on any of the pension options below, please call 0845 7 31 32 33 or visit www.pensionguide.gov.uk

For more copies of this leaflet, or for a Welsh, audiotape or Braille version, you can phone 0845 7 31 32 33 You can also read this leaflet on the internet at www.pensionguide.gov.uk
ISBN: 1-84388-005-9

This leaflet is for guidance only. It is not a complete statement of the law

© Crown copyright
Produced by The Pension Service
Printed in the UK
April 2004
PM9

General enquiries 0845 60 60 265
(textphone users call 0845 60 60 285)
www.thepensionservice.gov.uk