Stakeholder pensions explained

What is a stakeholder pension?

A stakeholder pension is a flexible type of defined contribution pension. 

Like other defined contribution pensions, your contributions to a stakeholder pension receive tax relief. The money is invested over time to provide you with a pot of money when you retire. 

A stakeholder pension differs to other personal pensions as contributions are more flexible. There are also guidelines for stakeholder pensions, which include: 

• Capped charges – management fees are capped at 1.5% for the first ten years and then 1% thereafter. 
• No charge for transfers – your provider cannot charge for transfers in or out.
• Low minimum contributions – minimum contribution limits must be £20 or lower. 
• Flexible contributions – you can stop and start contributing without penalty. Contributions can be made regularly or as lump sums.
• Default investment funds – stakeholder pensions must offer a default investment fund, in case you don’t want to choose your own investments.

How can I get a stakeholder pension? 

You can get a stakeholder pension from various pension providers, insurance companies and high street banks. Anyone can open a stakeholder pension. 

Some employers may offer stakeholder pensions as a workplace pension. Your employer may be willing to contribute to your stakeholder pension if it is not your workplace pension. 

As stakeholder pensions are open to anyone and have low minimum requirements, they may be particularly suitable for people who are unemployed or are earning a low-income. 

Making contributions to a stakeholder pension

Stakeholder pensions have flexible contribution rules. You can stop and start making contributions without penalty. Government guidelines dictate that minimum contributions limits must be £20 or lower. 

When you pay into a stakeholder pension, your contributions receive 20% tax relief. This will be claimed automatically by your provider. 

If you are a higher-rate taxpayer, you could claim an additional 20% or 25% tax relief via your self-assessment tax return. 

Your annual allowance for contributions is 100% of your salary (up to a maximum of £60,000). If you are not earning, you could still contribute up to £3,600 gross a year to your pensions. 

Making withdrawals from a stakeholder pension

Withdrawing money from a stakeholder pension works in the same way as other pensions. You can access your stakeholder pension from age 55 (57 from 2028).  

You can take up to 25% as a tax-free lump sum, subject to a maximum of £268,275. The remaining 75% is subject to income tax when you withdraw it. 

Withdrawals can be made via drawdown. Alternatively, you can use the money to buy an annuity.  

There is no obligation to start taking benefits when you turn 55. You can leave your stakeholder pension until you are ready to access it.