Guaranteed pension benefits: what to check
Identify safeguarded pension benefits such as guaranteed annuity rates, defined benefits, protected tax-free cash and protected pension ages before transferring.
Last reviewed 4 September 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is a guaranteed annuity rate?
It is a contractual rate at which a pension pot can be converted to income, often on specified dates and terms; older rates can be valuable.
Is protected tax-free cash guaranteed income?
No, but it is a potentially valuable protected scheme right that can be lost or altered on transfer.
Will guarantees follow every transfer?
No. Some statutory protections can survive qualifying transfers, while contractual guarantees commonly do not. Confirm before moving.