Member Article

Pension partnership with Macmillan

Citizens Advice Darlington is offering Pension Wise appointments at Macmillan Cancer Information and Support centres across County Durham, including Bishop Auckland, Peterlee and Durham, which are run by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

Following pension reforms earlier this year, people have greater freedom over how they can use their pension pots and when they can access them. People can take a lump sum, take out an annuity or a combination of both and thanks to Pension Wise, which is a new government service, people can get guidance on how to make sense of their options.

Citizens Advice Darlington is offering free face to face Pension Wise sessions for people aged 50 plus who have a defined contribution pension, which is a pension based on how much has been paid into your pot. However, these rules may not apply if you have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

Caron Woodward, Lead Cancer Nurse at CDDFT, said: “Information and support of this kind can be very useful for patients, their families and carers, following a cancer diagnosis. In partnership with Macmillan we aim to provide a comprehensive service and Citizens Advice Darlington play a valued role in this.”

Neeraj Sharma, chief executive of Citizens Advice Darlington, said: “Hopefully Pension Wise will help educate people about their options. Professional guidance will be crucial to ensure people understand the options available to them and to help them make the right decision for their personal circumstances.

“We would encourage people who use the Macmillan information and support centres to take some guidance if they are unsure about their pension.”

Pension Wise guidance specialists are impartial. They do not recommend any products or companies and will not tell you how to invest your money.

To book a Pension Wise appointment with the Pension Wise guiders at Citizens Advice Darlington, please call 01325 249833.

For further information, and to find out how to book telephone appointments, you can also visit the Pension Wise website at www.pensionwise.gov.uk, or call the national number 0300 330 1001.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Citizens Advice Darlington .