Your Rights as a Pension Scheme Member
Whether you're in a workplace pension or a personal pension, you have important legal rights to ensure your retirement savings are managed properly and your benefits are paid correctly. These rights are protected by the Pensions Acts, the Pensions Regulator, and the Pensions Ombudsman.
Last updated: 2026-03-09
Your Rights
Right to automatic enrolment
If you are an eligible worker (aged 22+, earning over £10,000, working in the UK), your employer must automatically enrol you in a qualifying workplace pension scheme and contribute at least 3% of qualifying earnings.
Right to employer contributions
Your employer must contribute at least 3% of your qualifying earnings. The total minimum contribution (employer + employee) is 8%. Your employer cannot reduce your pay to offset their pension contributions.
Right to information
Your scheme must provide you with regular benefit statements, information about charges, investment performance, and the scheme's governance. For defined benefit schemes, you can request a statement of your accrued benefits.
Right to transfer
You generally have the right to transfer your pension to another scheme. For defined benefit schemes worth over £30,000, you must take independent financial advice before transferring.
Right to complain
Every pension scheme must have an Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP). If your complaint is not resolved, you can refer it to the Pensions Ombudsman, whose decisions are legally binding.
Protection against unfair dismissal
It is automatically unfair to dismiss or disadvantage you for exercising pension rights, including joining a scheme or making contributions.
Common Myths
Your employer can opt you out of the workplace pension without your consent
Only you can opt out. Your employer commits a criminal offence if they encourage or coerce you to opt out.
If your employer goes bust, you lose your pension
Defined contribution pensions are held in a separate trust or insurance policy. Defined benefit pensions are protected by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).
You can access your pension at any age
The minimum pension age is currently 55 (rising to 57 in 2028). Accessing pensions earlier is usually only possible through scams — beware.
What To Do
Check your pension contributions
Review your payslip and pension statements to ensure your employer is making the correct contributions.
Request a benefit statement
Ask your pension scheme for a current benefit statement showing your accrued benefits and projected retirement income.
Trace lost pensions
Use the Government's Pension Tracing Service to find pensions from previous employers.
Report employer non-compliance
If your employer is not enrolling you or paying contributions, report them to The Pensions Regulator.
Key Legislation
- Pensions Act 2008
- Pensions Act 2004
- Pensions Act 1995
- Pension Schemes Act 1993
- Pension Protection Fund