FAQ
Questions people ask before they stretch the pot
Each question opens a full explanation of how Oakspan treats that part of a UK private pension — drawdown, tax-free cash, the State Pension, and what the calculator will not decide for you.
How long will my UK private pension last?
Oakspan projects a SIPP or workplace pot year by year and reports the age the invested fund can no longer pay the income you asked for.
Read the full explanationDoes the calculator include the State Pension?
Yes. Entitlement is a percentage of the full new State Pension (£241.30 a week in 2026/27), and State Pension age defaults to 67.
Read the full explanationIs the 25% tax-free lump sum included?
By default Oakspan takes 25% tax-free cash at retirement, capped at the £268,275 lump sum allowance. Turn the switch off to model UFPLS instead.
Read the full explanationWhat tax year do the figures use?
2026/27 income tax for England, Wales and Northern Ireland: personal allowance £12,570, basic rate to £50,270, additional rate from £125,140. Scottish bands are not used.
Read the full explanationCan I use this for a SIPP and a workplace pension?
Yes, if both are defined contribution. Add the current values into one pot. Final-salary and other defined-benefit pensions are not modelled.
Read the full explanationWhat is a safe withdrawal rate?
There isn’t one rate that is safe for every UK pot. Oakspan shows the old 4% rule beside an inflation-linked income that lasts to the age you chose, and a 20% shock test.
Read the full explanationIs this financial advice?
No. Oakspan is a free illustration published by Upcott Studios. It is not a personal recommendation, and it cannot see your health, other wealth or scheme rules.
Read the full explanationWill taking an income trigger the money purchase annual allowance?
Flexible drawdown usually cuts future tax-relieved contributions to £10,000 a year. Taking only tax-free cash may not. Oakspan does not decide which side you are on.
Read the full explanation
Or skip ahead to the private pension calculator, the guide and the 2026/27 rates.