COVID-19 and your pension

The Trustees and Scheme Administrators are working hard to maintain a normal service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our priority at this difficult time is ensuring pension payments and other benefit payments continue to be made as expected. We are also focusing on reviewing and processing any death benefit claims. Please be patient and only contact us if absolutely necessary, so we can focus on providing key services to members.

Financial markets

You may have seen recent news reports about the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on financial markets. As a member of a Defined Benefit (DB) scheme your benefits (other than any AVCs you might have) are not directly affected by the current unsettled market conditions.

The Scheme gives you a guaranteed benefit based on your salary and length of service. The value of the Scheme’s investments does not affect the value of your benefits. Investment risk is borne by the employer.

You may have thought about transferring away from the Scheme. A move away usually means that you take on the investment risk yourself. If you are seriously considering transferring out, please seek independent financial advice.

Beware of scams

Someone will always be looking to take advantage of a crisis. Now, more than ever, you should be wary of scammers trying to tempt you to transfer out of the scheme. They may offer the chance of virus-proof returns or immediate access to cash. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has some useful tips for spotting a scam:

Never engage with a cold-caller, unexpected text or email;
Never be rushed into making a commitment;
Always check the background of the person you are dealing with;
Always remember that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is;
For more help go to fca.org.uk/scamsmart.

Need more information?

The Pension Protection Fund has published a guide for pension scheme members to provide some reassurance for those concerned about the impact of the pandemic on their retirement. Visit ppf.co.uk to read COVID-19 and your pension.

If you have any major concerns, please get in touch.

Get in touch

Managing your retirement savings is easy with your new website.

Change your details

If your personal details have changed, let us know.

Contact the Scheme Administrator

Find out how much your pension is worth

When you’re planning for later life, it’s important to know how much you’re likely to have.

See how your pension is calculated

Your VGPS Account (ePA)

Connect with your future

The new Vodafone Pensions website makes it easier than ever to manage your pension saving and connect with your future.

Whether you are hoping to retire soon, or planning to continue working for a while, there’s something for you on the new site.

You will find information about how your pension is calculated, your options as you approach retirement and what actions you can take now to look after your loved ones in the future.

If you’ve already retired you can find out about annual pension increases, pension payments and the benefits available for your loved ones.

Through the site you can access contact details for the Scheme’s Administrator. It’s important you let the Administrator know if your personal circumstances have changed, particularly if you’ve moved to a new house, recently married or divorced, or had children.

Keeping your details up to date ensures you will continue to receive important messages, any payments made will be processed quickly and the Trustee knows who you would like to receive any benefits payable in the event of your death. To make a change, please contact the Scheme Administrator.