29 January 2008
The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) is to launch a special
pensions helpline for women to run for a 6 week period from 4
February 2008.
The purpose of the helpline is to help women have a better
understanding of their pension position and some of the options
they have for providing pensions for themselves. It is aimed at
women of all ages from those just starting out in employment to
those already retired.
Research has shown that there are many obstacles preventing
women from building up adequate pension provision in their own
right - such as lower lifetime pay and periods spent at home
bringing up children or with other caring responsibilities.
Pensions can be complicated and confusing and women are often
unsure of their rights and what they can do to assist themselves.
Also, there are a number of very significant changes to the
qualifying conditions for the state pension coming in from April
2010. These could have a material effect on women's pension
entitlements and need to be understood and taken into account in
developing their retirement plans.
"We will do our utmost," says TPAS Chief Executive, Malcolm
McLean, "to explain the changes and provide what other help we can,
unbiased and free of charge, to women who want to avail themselves
of our service".
