Defined Benefit Pension Transfer
Co-op Pension Scheme (Pace DB)
Do you have an old Co-op Pension Scheme you are thinking about transferring into a more flexible arrangement?
Below is a general overview of what the scheme benefits are, these might vary from member to member, depending on what category you belonged to.
If you would like to find out if transferring your pension is suitable for you, why not get started today and receive your free Pension Transfer Guide and arrange a free initial consultation.
Disclaimer
The information we provide here is our understanding of the pension scheme and may not be the latest, there may also be some detail missing. It is provided in good faith as an overview of the details we hold. There has not been any endorsement or otherwise of these details by the pension scheme, their sponsoring employer or scheme administrators.
This is a partial summary of the complex benefits provided through potentially many schemes, where retirement options can be very different within the same scheme or the same individual sections of those schemes.
If you are either a current or deferred member of the pension scheme and wish specific information about your personal benefits, the scheme administrator will need to be contacted.
Overview
Website: https://coop.pacepensions.co.uk/
Scheme Retirement Age:
The Normal Retirement Age depends on which section you accrued benefits within. For former scheme members the normal retirement age is 60, these are benefits accrued pre 2007. For Pace DB members it is 65 which the benefits are accrued post 2006.
Are partial transfers allowed? No.
Scheme Funding Position:
On November 24, 2023, the Pace Trustees secured an insurance policy from Rothesay Life. This policy guarantees the payment of benefits for Pace DB members in the Co-op Section and provides additional security and reassurance.
Revaluation:
Increased inline with RPI to a maximum of 5% for both former and pace scheme benefits.
Escalation:
Increases inline with RPI to a maximum of 2.5% for both former and pace scheme benefits. No discretionary increases have been applied within the last 10 years however additional increases may be granted at trustee discretion.
Flexible Options
It revalues inline with the excess up until state pension age and whilst in payment the member keeps any increases from date of retirement to state pension age. Once you reach this age the pension will reduce.
Death in Deferment
50% of the pace scheme benefits is also payable on death before retirement.
If no spouses pension is payable a lump sum of a refund of contributions plus interest is paid.
Death in Retirement
50% of the pace scheme benefits is also payable on death before retirement. A balance of 5 years pension payments is also paid at the discretion of the trustee, if the member dies within 5 years of retiring from the scheme.
Advice & Transfer Timescales
This information is provided to indicate the timescales involved in a defined benefit transfer, which will also vary in future. Figures are therefore indicative only.
Fastest: 3.3
Slowest: 13.9
Average: 6.7
Data Source:
This data is our own (Grove Pension Solutions Ltd) statistical analysis of our own advice process of members from this scheme that have approached us with an enquiry to transfer their defined benefit pension.
Need Co-op Pace DB Pension Transfer Advice?
Grove Pension Solutions Ltd is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and specialise solely in defined benefit pension transfer.
Pension Transfer Consultation
Get Started Today
Simply complete your details below, and we will send you our Pension Transfer Consultation Pack and Enquiry Form.
As part of the consultation we will look at:
- What existing pension plans you have in place.
- What your plans are for retirement.
- Your needs for flexibility and control.
- The likely cost of more in-depth advice.
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Defined Benefit Pension Transfer Warning
Transferring away from a defined benefit pension scheme means you will lose valuable guarantees.
Taking benefits early will almost certainly reduce your pension income in retirement and is only suitable for a limited number of people and circumstances. This should not be seen as an easy option for raising cash.
If you release all your money from your pension early you will not have anything left to provide you with income in retirement.
When releasing cash from your pension, usually up to 25% is tax free, the balance is taxed at your marginal rate at the time and could change in the future.
Watch the FCA video explaining the expectations of financial advisers when advising you on defined benefit pension transfers.
Grove Pension Solutions Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference number 465051).
What our clients say
First I want to thank both you and all your staff for helping us through this difficult decision period. You usually only retire once and so are novices at all the procedures.
Thank you for your understanding, taking us through this process so we finally understood what was needed. I will be happy to recommend you to all our friends and family should they ever need these services.
Once again you have our sincere thank
I cannot thank Grove Pension Solutions Ltd enough! From the outset to completion, my mind has been put at rest throughout. I had to make a very difficult decision with regard my pension recently due to ill-health / a terminal illness.
It was a tough and lengthy process from start to finish, however, the staff I spoke with were wonderful, in particular, Gina. They have professionalism to a T. Friendly, courteous, knowledgeable and above all, understanding.
Grove Pension Solutions assisted in moving my company pension to a personal pension, which will allow me to retire 7 years earlier than planned.
Since the FCA have made this option very difficult, Grove made the process very swift and smooth, with true professionalism throughout the process. The communication was excellent at all times, and there was always someone to answer a question if it arose.
I would highly recommend Grove Pension Solutions for your personal pension requirements.
Grove managed the transfer of my pension swiftly and kept me in touch with the process at all times. On occasions when I telephoned with questions they were patient, and regardless of who I spoke to, the staff were knowledgeable, friendly and reassuring. Grove Pension Solutions went above and beyond to complete my transfer and I cannot thank them enough.
Nothing is too much trouble, everything was explained in plain English and I was asked several times if I wanted to go through with any information again or any questions , all staff were professional and completely “knew their stuff” they returned calls when promised such a pleasure to do business with a very big thank you
In the final stages of my transfer, throughout the process the service has been very professional, regular updates by phone and email, the advisors are very friendly and explain the process in an easy to understand way. Have recommended to two other people already, wouldn't have any hesitation to use Grove Pension Solutions again, 10/10 thank you.