The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014

PART 6 N.I. Lifestyling and accessing benefits

Lifestyling N.I.

18.—(1) The information listed in Part 3 of Schedule 2 must be given to a member in accordance with this regulation where the scheme contains provision for lifestyling.

(2) The information must, subject to paragraph (3), be given between 5 and 15 years before the member’s retirement date.

(3) Information need not be given under paragraph (2) where it has been given in the previous 12 months under regulation 6.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 18 in operation at 6.4.2014, see reg. 1(1)

[F1 Information to be given on request and on a member providing certain information N.I.

18A.— (1) The information mentioned in paragraph (2) must be given in accordance with this regulation to a member who—

(a) has an opportunity to transfer flexible benefits;

(b) (i) requests information about what the member may do with the flexible benefits, or

(ii) informs the trustees or managers of the scheme that the member is considering, or has made a decision in relation to, what to do with the flexible benefits;

(c) (i) will reach normal minimum pension age within 4 months of making a request, or informing the trustees or managers of the scheme, in accordance with sub-paragraph (b);

(ii) has reached normal minimum pension age, or

(iii) meets the ill-health condition, and

(d) has not been given information under this regulation or regulation 19(2)(b)(ii) in the previous 12 months.

(2) The information is—

(a) a statement of the options available to the member under the scheme rules, and

(b) that listed in Part 3 of Schedule 7 and [F2 , subject to regulation 18C,] in Schedule 9A.

(3) The information must be given within 2 months of the member making a request, or informing the trustees or managers of the scheme, in accordance with paragraph (1)(b).

[F3 (2A) In relation to a collective money purchase scheme, information given in accordance with paragraph (2)(a) must include a statement that—

(a) there is no promise or guarantee as to the rate or amount of benefits provided under the scheme, and

(b) the rate or amount of benefits may fluctuate, which may result in—

(i) reduced benefits before benefit becomes payable;

(ii) reduced benefits after benefit becomes payable.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Regs. 18A-18B inserted (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 6

F2 Words in reg. 18A(2)(b) inserted (1.6.2022) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Requirements to Refer Members to Guidance etc.) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (S.R. 2022/115), regs. 1(1), 2(4)

F3 Reg. 18A(2A) inserted (1.8.2022) by The Occupational Pension Schemes (Collective Money Purchase Schemes) (Modifications and Consequential and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (S.R. 2022/192), regs. 1(1), 13(7)

Information to be given on communicating with a member about what the member may do with flexible benefits N.I.

18B.— (1) Subject to paragraph (5) [F4 and regulation 18C], the information mentioned in paragraph (2) must be given to a member in accordance with this regulation where—

(a) the member has an opportunity to transfer flexible benefits;

(b) the trustees or managers of the scheme contact the member, or the member contacts the trustees or managers of the scheme, in connection with what the member may do with the flexible benefits, and

(c) the member—

(i) will reach normal minimum pension age within 4 months of the date on which the contact mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) is made;

(ii) has reached normal minimum pension age, or

(iii) meets the ill-health condition.

(2) The information is—

(a) that listed in paragraphs 1, 4 and 5 of Schedule 9A;

(b) that listed in paragraphs 2 and 3 of Schedule 9A, unless the trustees or managers of the scheme—

(i) give information under this regulation verbally, and

(ii) offer to give the member information about how the member may access the pensions guidance and the offer is declined by the member, and

(c) where information has not been given to the member under regulation 18A in the previous 12 months, a statement that—

(i) the member may request information about—

(aa) the flexible benefits that may be provided to the member;

(bb) the member’s opportunity to transfer those benefits, and

(cc) the options available to the member under the scheme rules, and

(ii) the information may help the member to decide what to do with the flexible benefits.

(3) The information may be given verbally unless the member requests that the information is given in writing.

(4) The information must be given within 20 days of the contact mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) or the request mentioned in paragraph (3), whichever is later.

(5) No information is required to be given under this regulation where—

(a) the member informs the trustees or managers of the scheme that the member has accessed the pensions guidance in the previous 12 months;

(b) the member informs the trustees or managers of the scheme that the member has received independent financial advice in the previous 12 months about what the member may do with the flexible benefits, or

(c) the trustees or managers of the scheme—

(i) have given information to the member under regulation 18A in the 2 months immediately preceding the date on which the contact mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) is made, or

(ii) are required to give information to the member under regulation 18A within 2 months of the date on which the contact mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) is made.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Regs. 18A-18B inserted (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 6

F4 Words in reg. 18B(1) inserted (1.6.2022) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Requirements to Refer Members to Guidance etc.) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (S.R. 2022/115), regs. 1(1), 2(5)

[F5 Requirement to refer members and survivors to guidance etc. N.I.

18C.— (1) Where this regulation applies, the requirements in the following regulations to provide the information on pensions guidance in Part 1 of Schedule 9A do not apply—

(a) regulation 18A(1) and (2)(b), and

(b) regulation 18B(1) and (2).

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), this regulation applies where the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme receive on or after 1st June 2022 from any person an application, or communication made in relation to an application, from a relevant beneficiary (“B”)—

(a) to transfer any rights to flexible benefits accrued by B under the scheme, or

(b) to start receiving flexible benefits provided by the scheme.

(3) This regulation does not apply where the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme receive on or after 1st June 2022 from any person an application, or communication made in relation to an application, from B to transfer rights in accordance with paragraph (2)(a) if—

(a) B is under the age of 50;

(b) receiving flexible benefits is not the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the application, or

(c) the trustees or managers have received from B or a person authorised to act on behalf of B confirmation (given verbally or in writing) in relation to the application that—

(i) B—

(aa) has been referred by the trustees or managers of a different pension scheme to appropriate pensions guidance, and

(bb) has received or opted out of receiving that guidance,

in accordance with the requirements of this regulation, or

(ii) B is transferring rights to flexible benefits into a relevant pension scheme in respect of which the trustees or managers are required to comply with rules made under section 137FB of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FCA general rules: disclosure of information about the availability of pensions guidance).

(4) As part of the application process, the trustees or managers—

(a) must offer to book a pensions guidance appointment on behalf of B on a date, at a time and of a kind suitable for B;

(b) where B accepts the offer mentioned in sub-paragraph (a), must take reasonable steps to book that appointment;

(c) where B does not accept that offer, or where the trustees or managers are unable to book such an appointment on a date, at a time and of a kind suitable for B despite having taken reasonable steps, must provide B with details of how to book a pensions guidance appointment;

(d) must explain to B that they cannot, proceed with the application unless—

(i) B has received, and notified them of receipt of, appropriate pensions guidance, or

(ii) B opts out of receiving such guidance by giving them an opt-out notification, and

(e) must explain to B that B can only opt out of receiving appropriate pensions guidance by giving them an opt-out notification.

(5) Where the trustees or managers receive an application, or communication made in relation to an application, as mentioned in paragraph (2), B may give an opt-out notification—

(a) in a communication made solely for the purpose of opting out of receiving appropriate pensions guidance, or

(b) where paragraph (9) applies.

(6) Paragraph (7) applies to any interaction subsequent to the interaction mentioned in paragraph (4) where B contacts the trustees or managers in connection with B’s application unless—

(a) B has confirmed to the trustees or managers that B has received appropriate pensions guidance in connection with the application, or

(b) B has provided to the trustees or managers an opt-out notification in a communication made solely for the purpose of opting out of receiving appropriate pensions guidance.

(7) Where this paragraph applies, the trustees or managers must repeat the steps required by paragraph (4).

(8) If, at any point while the trustees or managers are repeating the steps required by paragraph (4) by virtue of paragraph (7), B confirms to them that B has received appropriate pensions guidance in connection with the application, the trustees or managers may treat the requirements of paragraph (4) as having been satisfied.

(9) This paragraph applies where the trustees or managers have received from B or a person authorised to act on behalf of B confirmation (given verbally or in writing) that—

(a) B has received—

(i) appropriate pensions guidance, or

(ii) regulated financial advice in connection with the application, provided by a financial adviser regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide such advice,

in the 12-month period (excluding the date of receipt) before the trustees or managers received an application, or communication made in relation to an application, as mentioned in paragraph (2);

(b) B qualifies for a serious ill-health lump sum within the meaning of paragraph 4(1) of Schedule 29 to the Finance Act 2004, or

(c) B’s application is solely to transfer any of their rights to flexible benefits accrued under the scheme.

(10) In this regulation—

“appropriate pensions guidance” means pensions guidance accessible by B during a pensions guidance appointment which includes the facility for real-time human interaction between the parties during the appointment (whether face to face, by telephone or through another electronic medium);

“opt-out notification” means a notification (given verbally or in writing) given to the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme for the purpose of confirming that B is opting out of receiving appropriate pensions guidance in connection with an application or communication made in relation to an application;

“pensions guidance appointment” means an appointment of B with the provider of appropriate pensions guidance;

“regulated financial advice” means advice of a kind mentioned in Article 53 of the Financial Services and Markets Act (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 (advising on investments);

“relevant beneficiary” has the meaning given by the definition in section 109B(6) of the 1993 Act and for the purposes of paragraph (b) of that definition another person of a prescribed description is a survivor of a member.

Textual Amendments

F5 Regs. 18C-18E inserted (1.6.2022) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Requirements to Refer Members to Guidance etc.) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (S.R. 2022/115), regs. 1(1), 2(6)

Consequential modifications of sections 95 and 97J of the 1993 Act N.I.

18D.— (1) The 1993 Act has effect subject to the following modifications.

(2) Where regulation 18C of these Regulations applies in relation to an application under section 91(1) of the 1993 Act (ways of taking right to cash equivalent), section 95(2)(b) of the 1993 Act (trustees’ duties after exercise of option) has effect as if the duty it imposes only applies if, within the 6-month period to which it refers, the requirements under that regulation for proceeding with the application have been satisfied.

(3) Where regulation 18C of these Regulations applies in relation to the requirement under section 97G(4) of the 1993 Act (restrictions on power to give transfer notice) for a member to make an application under section 91(1) of the 1993 Act in addition to giving a transfer notice, section 97J(1)(b) of the 1993 Act (time for compliance with transfer notice) has effect as if the duty it imposes only applies if, within the 6-month period to which it refers, the requirements under that regulation for proceeding with the application have been satisfied.

Textual Amendments

F5 Regs. 18C-18E inserted (1.6.2022) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Requirements to Refer Members to Guidance etc.) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (S.R. 2022/115), regs. 1(1), 2(6)

Record-keeping requirements of trustees and managers N.I.

18E.— (1) The trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme must, in respect of a relevant beneficiary (“B”), keep a record of—

(a) the receipt by B of appropriate pensions guidance in connection with an application, or communication made in relation to an application, from B under regulation 18C(2);

(b) the provision to them by B of an opt-out notification in connection with an application, or communication made in relation to an application, from B under regulation 18C(2), or

(c) the receipt of a confirmation referred to in regulation 18C(9).

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), “relevant beneficiary”, “appropriate pensions guidance” and “opt-out notification” have the meanings given in regulation 18C(10).]

Textual Amendments

F5 Regs. 18C-18E inserted (1.6.2022) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Requirements to Refer Members to Guidance etc.) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (S.R. 2022/115), regs. 1(1), 2(6)

First information on accessing benefits N.I.

19.—(1) The information mentioned in paragraph (2) must be given in accordance with this regulation to a member who has [F6 a right or entitlement to flexible benefits] .

[F7 (2) The information is—

(a) where the member has been given information in accordance with regulation 18A in the 12 months before the date on which the trustees or managers of the scheme give information under this regulation—

(i) a statement that the member has been given information about—

(aa) the flexible benefits that may be provided to the member;

(bb) the member’s opportunity to transfer those benefits, and

(cc) the options available to the member under the scheme rules, and

(ii) that listed in paragraphs 1 to 9 of Schedule 9A, and

(b) in any other case—

(i) a statement of the options available to the member under the scheme rules, and

(ii) where the member has an opportunity to transfer flexible benefits, that listed in Part 3 of Schedule 7 and in Schedule 9A.]

(3) The information must be given at least 4 months before—

(a) where there is a retirement date, that date, or

(b) where there is no retirement date, the date the member attains normal pension age(1).

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3), where the interval between the date on which the retirement date is specified and the date that the benefits will become payable is less than 4 months, the information must be given within [F8 20] days of the date on which the retirement date is specified.

(5) In this regulation “retirement date” means the date specified by—

(a) the member to the trustees or managers of the scheme that is acceptable under the rules of the scheme, or

(b) the trustees or managers of the scheme where no acceptable date has been specified under sub-paragraph (a).

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in reg. 19(1) substituted (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 7(2)

F7 Reg. 19(2) substituted (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 7(3)

F8 Word in reg. 19(4) substituted (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 7(4)

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 19 in operation at 6.4.2014, see reg. 1(1)

[F9 Retirement risk warnings N.I.

19A.— (1) Subject to paragraphs (5) and (7), the trustees or managers of the scheme must give a retirement risk warning to a member in accordance with this regulation where they are giving a member—

(a) information in accordance with regulation 18A, 18B or 19 or the member has been given such information previously, and

(b) an application form, online access, information about access or any other method of access that enables the member to require the trustees or managers of the scheme to take any of the actions in paragraph (2).

(2) The actions referred to in paragraph 1(b) are—

(a) the application of sums or assets held for the purpose of providing flexible benefits for purchasing an annuity;

(b) the payment of a lump sum in respect of flexible benefits, or

(c) the designation of sums or assets held for the purpose of providing flexible benefits as available for the payment of drawdown pension.

(3) A retirement risk warning under paragraph (1) must be given at the same time as the method of access in paragraph (1)(b) and before any of the actions set out in paragraph (2) are concluded.

(4) When giving a retirement risk warning to a member, the trustees or managers of the scheme must also give the member a statement that asks the member to note the importance of—

(a) reading the retirement risk warning, and

(b) accessing pensions guidance or independent advice.

(5) A retirement risk warning for any specific action in paragraph (2) need not be given to a member within 12 months of a retirement risk warning for that action having been given in accordance with this regulation to that member.

(6) For the purpose of—

(a) this regulation, “retirement risk warning” means a statement that sets out the characteristic attributes and features of an annuity, lump sum and drawdown pension referred to in paragraph (2) and the factors in sub-paragraph (b)(iv), and

(b) sub-paragraph (a)—

(i) the statement must be generic in nature and not tailored to or based on the personal circumstances of any individual member;

(ii) the statement may be limited to the characteristic attributes and features of an annuity, lump sum or drawdown pension referred to in paragraph (2) in respect of which the trustees or scheme managers are giving the member a method of access in paragraph (1)(b);

(iii) characteristic attributes and features are those that have the potential to adversely affect the retirement income of any member or their widow, widower, surviving civil partner, nominee, successor or other dependant, and

(iv) the factors are those that have the potential to affect the appropriateness of an annuity, lump sum and drawdown pension for a member such as: the impact of health status and lifestyle choices; whether a member has dependants, is in debt or in receipt of means tested benefits; and any other relevant factors.

(7) Subject to paragraph (8)—

(a) a retirement risk warning under paragraph (1) need not be given where the trustees or managers of the scheme give the member an appropriate risk warning before any of the actions listed in paragraph (2) are concluded;

(b) an appropriate risk warning must be given either verbally or in writing;

(c) for the purposes of sub-paragraphs (a) and (b), an appropriate risk warning is a statement—

(i) that sets out the risks associated with any of the actions listed in paragraph (2) that the member is proposing to require the trustees or managers of the scheme to take and that have the potential to adversely affect the retirement income of that member or their widow, widower, surviving civil partner, nominee, successor or other dependant, and

(ii) that is based on the characteristic attributes and features of an annuity, lump sum or drawdown pension referred to in paragraph (2) and answers to questions the trustees or managers of the scheme have asked the member in order to identify any factors or other variables that increase the risks referred to in head (i).

(8) Paragraph (7) only applies where trustees or managers of the scheme have—

(a) asked the member whether the member has received pensions guidance or independent advice, and

(b) if the member has not received such guidance or advice, or is unsure, encouraged the member to use pensions guidance or to take independent advice to understand the options available to that member at retirement.]

Textual Amendments

F9 Reg. 19A inserted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Protection Fund and Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 (S.R. 2016/165), regs. 1, 9

Second information on accessing benefits N.I.

20.—(1) The information mentioned in paragraph (2) must be given to a person in accordance with this regulation where benefit under the scheme has, or is about to, become payable to the person.

(2) The information is the information listed—

(a) in paragraphs 6 to 9 of [F10 Schedule 7;]

(b) in Part 1 of that Schedule where the person has an opportunity to select an annuity under any rights and options in relation to the death of the [F11 member, and]

[F12 (c) in Part 1 of Schedule 9A where the person, under any rights and options in relation to the death of the member, has an opportunity to—

(i) transfer accrued rights to flexible benefits out of the scheme under the scheme rules;

(ii) apply sums or assets held for the purpose of providing flexible benefits for purchasing an annuity;

(iii) take payment of a lump sum in respect of flexible benefits, or

(iv) designate sums or assets held for the purpose of providing flexible benefits as available for the payment of drawdown pension.]

(3) The information mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) must be given—

(a) where benefit becomes payable on or after normal pension age before benefit becomes payable, if practicable and in any event within one month after benefit becomes payable, or

(b) where benefit becomes payable on a date before normal pension age, within 2 months of that date.

[F13 (4) Before benefit becomes payable—

(a) the information mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (2) must be given to a person having the opportunity mentioned in that sub-paragraph;

(b) the information mentioned in sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph (2) must be given to a person having an opportunity mentioned in that sub-paragraph.]

Textual Amendments

F10 Words in reg. 20(2)(a) substituted (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 8(2)(a)

F11 Words in reg. 20(2)(b) substituted (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 8(2)(b)

F12 Reg. 20(2)(c) added (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 8(2)(c)

F13 Reg. 20(4) substituted (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 8(3)

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 20 in operation at 6.4.2014, see reg. 1(1)

Accessing benefits on the death of the member or beneficiary N.I.

21.—(1) The information mentioned in paragraph (2) must be given in accordance with this regulation where the trustees or managers of the scheme are aware that—

(a) a member or beneficiary of the scheme has died, and

(b) a person may be entitled to exercise rights or options under the scheme as a result of that death.

(2) The information is the information listed in—

(a) Part 1 of, and paragraphs 8 to 10 of, Schedule 7 where the person referred to in paragraph (1)(b) has an opportunity to select an [F14 annuity;]

(b) Part 2 of that Schedule in any other [F15 case, and]

[F16 (c) Part 1 of Schedule 9A where the person has an opportunity to—

(i) transfer accrued rights to flexible benefits out of the scheme under the scheme rules;

(ii) apply sums or assets held for the purpose of providing flexible benefits for purchasing an annuity;

(iii) take payment of a lump sum in respect of flexible benefits, or

(iv) designate sums or assets held for the purpose of providing flexible benefits as available for the payment of drawdown pension.]

(3) The information must be given to—

(a) the person referred to in paragraph (1)(b), if that person is at least 18 years old and the trustees or managers of the scheme know that person’s postal address or electronic address, and

(b) subject to paragraph (4), a person who is—

(i) a personal representative of the member or beneficiary of the scheme, or

(ii) authorised to act on behalf of the person referred to in paragraph (1)(b).

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3), the information—

(a) must be given only where the personal representative or the person authorised to act requests it, and

(b) need not be given where a request is made within 3 years of the same information being given under this regulation to the same person in the same capacity.

(5) The information must be given as soon as practicable and in any event within 2 months of—

(a) the date on which the trustees or managers of the scheme become aware of the death, or

(b) the request referred to in paragraph (4).

Textual Amendments

F14 Words in reg. 21(2)(a) substituted (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 9(a)

F15 Words in reg. 21(2)(b) substituted (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 9(b)

F16 Reg. 21(2)(c) added (6.4.2015) by The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015/154), regs. 1(1), 9(c)

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 21 in operation at 6.4.2014, see reg. 1(1)

(1)

See section 175 of the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993