Book a Pension Wise appointment in British Sign Language

Watch a BSL interpreter explain what Pension Wise is and how to book.

There are two ways to book a signed Pension Wise appointment. You can: 

• Request a video call by completing our online form – we’ll reply within two working days with available dates and times. 
• Book a face-to-face meeting by making a BSL callOpens in a new window – lines are open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Closed on bank holidays.

Watch a BSL interpreter explain how best to prepare for your appointment.

A Pension Wise appointment explains your options for taking money from a defined contribution pension. Pension Wise is a free service backed by government. 

You can start an appointment online at any time or book to speak to one of our pension specialists and a BSL interpreter. 

During your appointment, we’ll explain: 

• how each pension option works 
• what tax you could pay 
• common scams to watch out for.  

You can have an appointment if you have a UK-based defined contribution pension and are:   

• 50 or over 
• under 50 and: 
  • taking your pension early due to ill-health or 
  • have inherited someone else’s pension.   

You can use our tool to find out your pension type or ask your pension provider.   

There are two ways to have a free Pension Wise appointment with a BSL interpreter. Appointments usually last up to 90 minutes. 

A BSL interpreter will join our pension specialist on a video call.  

You can request a video call by completing our online form. We’ll reply within two working days with available dates and times. 

A BSL interpreter will join our pension specialist at your local Citizens Advice.  

You can book a face-to-face meeting by making a BSL callOpens in a new window between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. We’re closed on bank holidays. 

You’ll be connected to a BSL interpreter who will call us to arrange your appointment. You’ll only see the interpreter on your screen.  

It’s best to call from somewhere private, in front of a plain background with no movement. You’ll need to be connected to the internet. The service is free, but you might pay for any data used to be online. 

If you’re booking on behalf of someone else, you can also call 0800 138 1585Opens in a new window or +44 20 3733 3495Opens in a new window  if you’re outside the UK.   

You’ll usually benefit more from a Pension Wise appointment if you:   

1. Ask each of your pension providers:   

• how much your pension is currently worth   
• if your pension has any special features, like a guaranteed pot value or annuity rate.   

2. Check your State Pension forecast to find out how much you’re on track to get:   

• online at GOV.UKOpens in a new window    
• by contacting the Future Pension helplineOpens in a new window

3. Have details of your other finances with you, like how much you:   

• have in savings and investments   
• owe in debts and repayments.   

4. Think about your plan for retirement, such as:   

• when you’d like to stop working   
• what type of pension income you’d like – for example, a fixed and guaranteed income for life or amounts as and when you need them.   

You’ll get a summary of your pension options and next steps after your appointment. 

For more information, see our guide How to prepare for your Pension Wise appointment.