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Retirement admin checklist

Retirement is a date on a calendar and a stack of decisions that won't make themselves — start these a few months before the last day, not the week of it.

17 items

Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.

The items

  1. State pension forecast checked and claim startedCheck the current rules on age and amount — it isn't paid automatically.
  2. Workplace pensions
  3. Every past employer's scheme tracked down
  4. Options comparedLump sum, drawdown or an annuity, each with different trade-offs.
  5. Private pensions and other savings reviewed
  6. Tax position for the first year understoodCheck the current rules — a first year of retirement income is often taxed differently than expected.
  7. Employer
  8. Last day confirmed in writing
  9. Final pay and any owed leave checked
  10. Benefits ending notedHealth cover and life insurance through work often stop on the last day.
  11. Bank account reviewedRegular income replaced with pension payments, and standing orders checked against the new pattern.
  12. Mortgage or rent affordability checked against the new income
  13. Insurance reviewedAnything that was covered through work needs replacing separately, if it's still wanted.
  14. Will and power of attorney reviewedWorth revisiting alongside a change this significant.
  15. National Insurance record checked for gapsCheck the current rules on what a gap means for the state pension.
  16. Council tax and other age-related discounts checkedCheck the current rules on what applies locally.
  17. First few months planned forA quieter admin task than the rest, but worth a rough plan rather than an open calendar.

Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.

Questions people ask

When should this admin start?
Several months before the last day of work, if possible — tracking down old pensions and comparing options both take longer than people expect.
Is the state pension paid automatically?
No — it has to be claimed, it doesn't start on its own. Check the current rules on age and how to claim well before you expect to need it.
What happens to pensions from old employers?
They need tracking down individually if contact's been lost — a pension tracing service can help find a scheme when the paperwork's gone missing.