The Annuity Calculator is a guidance system which aids you in your search for an appropriate Annuity.
Defaqto Media suggests that all transactional decisions are discussed with an appropriate IFA before being acted upon.
In addition many of the products in the Annuity sector are only sold via the Intermediary sector and therefore need to be purchased via an appropriate IFA.
Tips on how to use the annuity calculator
When you can buy an annuity
For most people, a pension annuity will be purchased between the ages 50 and 75. However the minimum retirement age will rise from 50 to 55 in 2010 and a few people in special circumstances may be able to avoid annuity purchase at age 75, but most people will purchase an Annuity aged between 50 and 75.
Age
The amount your pension fund will buy depends on your age, gender and state of health as these three factors affect how long you are expected to live. The older you are when you buy an annuity, the higher the amount you are likely to be quoted because the annuity provider (an insurance company) is unlikely to have to pay you for as many years as someone who starts taking their annuity income at a younger age.
State of health
Similarly, if you are suffering from a medical condition or illness which is likely to reduce your life expectancy, your annuity provider will pay you more because you are likely to survive fewer years than someone in good health of the same age. The same applies if you are a smoker or obese.
Gender
Women tend to live longer than men, so a woman is paid less than a man of the same age and with the same size pension fund.
Spouses’ and partners’ pensions
If you want your spouse or partner to have an income after you die, you will want to buy a ‘joint life’ annuity. This will reduce the amount you receive (compared to if you bought a ‘single life’ annuity), but will guarantee your partner or spouse an income for life after your death. Enter their age in the ‘partner’s age’ box.
You can choose what percentage of your annuity income you want your partner to receive – typically, 100%, 66% or 50%. The higher the amount you choose for your partner, the lower your initial income will be.