The application form for Fixed Protection is now available to download from HMRC’s website.
The notes accompanying the new application form confirm that the information required, and criteria for eligibility, are as indicated by HMRC previously. They also include some further details that are worthy of attention:
§ No Fixed Protection certificates will be issued before 12th October 2011.
§ Individuals expecting to take their pension benefits between 6th April 2012 and 31st July 2012 can indicate as much in their application, and HMRC will try to issue certificates to these individuals before they take their benefits.
§ Anyone who currently has Enhanced Protection, but not Primary Protection, can apply for Fixed Protection as long as they intend to give up their Enhanced Protection before 6th April 2012.
§ HMRC have confirmed that if automatically enrolled into a pension scheme by their employer after 6th April 2012, an individual with Fixed Protection will lose that protection unless they opt out within one month of enrolment.
All applications must be received by HMRC by 5th April 2012. Please contact us for details.
