taking your pension at 55

[stroller]

If i wanted to leave Royal Mail before i was 55 could i call it in even if i was not working for the company, or would i have to still be working for Royal Mail at the time to take it at 55?

[barrowc]

For section A/B - http://www.royalmailpensionplan.co.uk/d ... .08.12.pdf:

Early payment (left Company employment)

At any other time, provided you are at least age 55 and have left the Company’s employment, you can apply to us to receive early payment of your benefits (NRA 60 benefits, NRA 65 benefits or both). Your benefits will be reduced to reflect payment before NRA, on a basis determined by the Actuary. If you want to apply to receive your benefits early, you should write to the PSC.

For section C - http://www.royalmailpensionplan.co.uk/d ... .09.12.pdf:

Reduced early payment

At any other time, provided you are at least age 55, you can apply to us to receive early payment of your benefits (NRA 60 pension, NRA 65 pension or both). Your benefits will be reduced to reflect payment before NRA, on a basis determined by the Actuary, subject to the reduced pension not being less than your GMP. Please refer to page 27 of the ‘Guide to benefits – Section C’, which can be downloaded from http://www.royalmailpensionplan.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or is available on request from the PSC, for more information on GMPs.

For the defined contribution plan - https://www.zurich.co.uk/royalmaildcpla ... n/faqs.htm:

When can I take my benefits?

You can choose the age you take your benefits. Retirement no longer has to mean finishing work – it can mean reducing your hours, with your employer’s agreement, as you approach retirement.

The Plan’s Normal Retirement Age is 65. However, you can take your benefits from age 55 or earlier if you are ill and cannot work. You don’t have to take your benefits until age 75.

The choices form for the DC plan - http://zdownload.zurich.co.uk/corporate ... 714149.pdf - lets you pick any retirement age between 55 and 64

[stroller]

Thanks for the info barrowc