# What are safeguarded pension benefits?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## In short

Safeguarded benefits are valuable guarantees attached to a pension — defined-benefit promises, guaranteed annuity rates, protected tax-free cash above 25%, or guaranteed minimum pensions. Transferring or consolidating without advice can destroy guarantees worth tens of thousands.

Request a transfer value statement and ask explicitly about guaranteed annuity rates and protected tax-free cash before moving pots.

Defined-benefit transfers above £30,000 require regulated financial advice by law — you cannot waive this.

Even some defined-contribution workplace pensions from the 1980s–1990s carry guaranteed rates far above today's annuity market.

See pension consolidation guide and should I consolidate answer.

## Related

- [Pension consolidation guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/pension-consolidation/)
- [Should I consolidate pensions?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/should-i-consolidate-my-pensions/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.