- Ask whether your employer matches contributions and what you need to contribute to receive the full match.
- Check annual, contribution, fund and policy charges.
- Read the investment strategy and risk information.
- Ask about death-in-service and other benefits.
- Keep statements from previous employers.
When might an AVC help?
An Additional Voluntary Contribution can supplement workplace pension benefits, subject to scheme and tax rules. Existing employee contributions count when estimating personal tax-relief capacity. The correct route for AVCs depends on your current arrangement.
Read the complete AVC pension guide →
Changing jobs
Ask for a leaving-service statement. A preserved pension may remain valuable in its current arrangement; transferring is not automatically an improvement.
Last reviewed: 21 September 2026. Rules depend on your circumstances.
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