Your deferred benefit statement will have a 'Date Payable From' on it. If that date is later than your 60th birthday, it will mean that you do not meet the 85 year rule until that date, and therefore, will suffer a reduction if you choose to take your benefits from age 60.

We will however, write to you shortly before your 60th birthday informing you of your options.

You can also request your benefits to be paid early under the following circumstances:

• You ask to have them paid after age 50. If you are under 60 you will need your former employers' permission. If we pay your benefits under this rule we will reduce your benefits unless you meet the 85 year rule. Your former employers can waive this reduction if they think there are compassionate reasons to do so. Please note, if you wish to apply for your benefits to be paid between age 50 and 60, you must write to your previous employer and request that they consider early payment of your benefits.

• You may request that your deferred benefits are released early if you become permanently unable to do your former job because of ill-health. Again, you must apply to your former employers in writing if you want them to consider you for this. Before they decide whether you qualify for early payment on ill-health grounds they will send you to see an independent doctor approved by the Pensions Office. You can qualify to have your benefits paid under this rule at any age and we will not reduce your benefits.