Income Drawdown

Explore Income Drawdown

What is Income Drawdown?

Income Drawdown is a more flexible alternative to the traditional annuity route, offering greater choice and control for many people.

You can put off buying an annuity, and instead withdraw a regular income from the pension fund while the remainder of the fund stays invested. While the fund remains invested, you could benefit from growth in the market – and from ongoing advice.

Anyone from the age of 55 can set up a Drawdown contract. It could be suitable if you:

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want to vary your income over time, to reflect changes in your circumstances

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want your pension fund to continue benefitting from potential investment growth, and you’re prepared to accept the risk that the value of the fund may fall

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have other sources of income
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want to maximise the benefits your family receives upon your death, and also give you choice about how they receive these benefit
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are in ill health, and would like to pass on remaining assets to your estate (after tax)
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want to control the time at which you buy an annuity
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want to maintain an active interest in managing your pension fund
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have a pension fund in excess of £30,000
who are they for?

Who needs income drawdown?

Typically, Income Drawdown suits people who are not averse to investment risk, and who have larger pension funds.

However, there are no guarantees that income will be greater than if the fund was used to purchase an annuity at retirement. There is also no guarantee that the initial income level selected will be maintained. The costs of Income Drawdown are normally higher than for an annuity.

Income Withdrawal Plans are complex. It’s a good idea to get professional advice because what you decide now will affect your pension income for the rest of your life.

Speak to a financial adviser

The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the original amount invested.

Important information

A pension is a long term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend on the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation.

This article (Income Drawdown) is intended to provide a general appreciation of the topic and it is not advice.

For more information please contact Centrad Limited on 01922 745400 or email enquiries@centradltd.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Article expiry: 06 April 2023