Is it worth getting a pension at 50?
James Williams
Updated on April 03, 2026
Ros Altmann, a retirement expert and a former pensions minister, says you are “certainly not” too old to start saving, even if you are in your 50s. “You could save for another 15 or 20 years and benefit from long-term returns, which increases the money you have later in life,” she says.
Is it worth having a company pension?
For many people, paying into a workplace pension is a good idea, even if you have other financial commitments, such as a mortgage or loan. This is because you could benefit from contributions from your employer and tax relief from the government. Over time, this money adds up and can grow.
Can I take my pension at 49?
Following recent pension reforms, you can now withdraw as much of your pension as you want from the age of 55. There are some exceptions that entitle you to access your pension earlier, but you may have to pay high fees.
Is it worth combining my pensions?
Yes, it’s a good idea to add to your pension if you want to get the most out of your money. The more you save into your pension, the more comfortable your life will be in retirement. There are lots of advantages of paying into a pension, namely that you get tax relief on the money you put in.
How much do I need in my pension to retire at 55?
You’d need at least an estimated £650,000 pension pot to retire at the age of 55 or 57. But as well as a good pension pot, you also need a good retirement plan.
How much pension should I pay a month?
The most common measure of making sure you have a ‘good’ pension is to half your age from when you started saving from, and put that number as a percentage into your pension each month. So if you start at age 30 it would be 15 per cent, whereas if you start at 40 it is 20 per cent.
What do over 60s get free?
In the UK, everyone over the age of 60 gets free prescriptions and NHS eye tests. You can also get free NHS dental treatment if you’re over 60 and claiming pension guarantee credits or other benefits if you’re under state pension age.
Is it worth joining a company pension scheme?
If your employer contributes to your pension, it’s free money. If your employer pays into a pension scheme, it’s worth joining in order to boost the value of your pension pot. If you don’t, you’ll have to arrange a private pension independently and meet the full cost of this.
What’s the average pension pot in the UK at 50?
The average pension pot at 50 Research from insurance company LV=found that Brits aged 45-54 have an average pension pot worth £71,342. While figures from elsewhere in the industry show that by age 50 women have saved an average of £56,000, half the £112,000 average saved by men.
Can a company pension be cashed in before age 55?
It’s not possible to cash in your pension before this time, no-matter how old it is or what it’s worth, and you should avoid any scams that claim to be able to help you access your pension early. Once you turn 55 you can cash in your old company pension in a number of ways.
Is it a good idea to start a pension at 50?
A pension can give you an income when you retire, but how much will depend on what you contribute during your working life. Here are your pension options, even if you have no pension at 50. Pensions are long term investments. You may get back less than you originally paid in because your capital is not guaranteed and charges may apply.