Choosing the right second pension

The right choice for you will depend on your circumstances. You need to think about:

• what your needs and responsibilities are likely to be;
• how much you can afford to save for your pension;
• whether you have access to an occupational scheme;
• whether your employer will help to fund your pension; and
• how your future career plans might develop.

Click here for a list of organisations that can give you help and further information. You can also get help from your employer or your union (if you belong to one).

If you are not sure what to do for the best, you can get advice from a financial adviser. But remember, if you see an adviser you may have to pay for their advice.

Where do I start?

An important starting point is to find out how much State Pension you have earned so far, and how much you expect to have earned when you reach State Pension age.

To get this information, you can contact the Retirement Pension Forecasting Team (RPFT) on 0845 3000 168 (if you have difficulties with speech or hearing, a textphone service is available on 0845 3000 169). The line is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday. Or, you can write to Retirement Pension Forecasting Team, The Pension Service, Tyneview Park , Whitley Road , Newcastle upon Tyne NE98 1BA for a forecast application form (BR19) and a return envelope.

You can get form BR19 from your nearest social security office or Jobcentre (details are in your phone book). Or you can download the form from the resource centre on The Pension Service website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk.

Once we have received your filled-in application form, we will send you a forecast of how much your State Pension is likely to be. This forecast will help you to decide whether you are currently saving enough for your retirement needs, and what more you may need to do.

The forecast is based on our knowledge of your current circumstances, and these could change. So, your forecast will be most accurate if you are near to your State Pension age. But it is best not to put off applying for your forecast until you are close to State Pension age. That way, you will have plenty of time to make additional pension arrangements if you think the amount of your pension will not be enough.

If you have looked at your forecast and you are not sure what to do for the best, you could get advice from a financial adviser. But remember, if you see an adviser you may have to pay for their advice.

You can get further information about private pensions from the Pensions Advisory Service (OPAS), your employer or your union (if you belong to one). Click here for details about how you can contact OPAS.

Your employer may be able to give you information on occupational pensions.