Savers lose 'golden pension' that may delay retirement by two years

Thousands of savers could face a two-year delay to pension access after giving up a protected pension age without realising it, pensions experts reported.

Thousands of savers could be forced to wait an extra two years to access their pensions after giving up a protected pension age without realising it, pensions experts say. The situation relates to people surrendering a 'protected pension age' benefit that had previously allowed earlier access to pensions. The article reporting this was published on 20 January 2026. Key points: - Thousands of savers are reported to be affected. - The issue involves people giving up a protected pension age benefit, reportedly without realising it. - The consequence reported is an extra two-year wait to access pensions for those individuals. - The report was published on 20 January 2026. Summary: This development could delay access to retirement income for the savers described and may change their retirement timing. Undetermined at this time.