Eligible for pension at 55 - one year away.

[neilfair]

My pension, although small, is definitely large enough to be paid out when I'm 55. It'll be in the region of £2,500 per annum after the 5% per year reduction.

I'm now a self-employed gardener and while I can make enough to just about get by in the quiet Winter months ................ who wants to rely on this crazy weather. This pension would provide a very welcome safety net for the down time. My question: do the trustees ever turn any one down when they request their pension at 55 ? Is there any recent precedent for someone being refused other than that their pension is too small to be paid early ?

I know about the arguments for and against taking it early but for me it's the sooner the better. So any advice / reassurance gratefully received

[Pinky 1]

My pension, although small, is definitely large enough to be paid out when I'm 55. It'll be in the region of £2,500 per annum after the 5% per year reduction.

...... and it'll be in the region of £2k per annum after the tax man gets his share

A lot of my colleagues have recently taken their pension early, and no, I haven't heard of anyone being turned down yet.

[neilfair]

Thanks Pinky 1, appreciated

I'll do just enough work to stay within the tax threshold.