Nearly 80% of over 55s have no intention of using Pension Wise, new research suggests.
A study, carried out by Portal Financial, found just 3% know that it is called Pension Wise and 77% had plans to use it. Respondents said they were less likely to use the service as they got older, with 32% of people aged 55-59 planning to use it compared to just 16% of over 65s.
The results were similar across the entire United Kingdom, with between 20% and 24% wanting to use Pension Wise.
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Almost identical results were found when based on income, with the two exceptions being those earning between £70,000 and £99,999 a year and over £200,000 a year - 39% of the former would use the service, while none of the latter would.
Jamie Smith-Thompson, managing director at Portal Financial, said: "Our results indicate that the government has not done enough to explain the presence or benefits of Pension Wise.
"A guidance guarantee was announced almost a year ago, and the Pension Wise website is now live, yet 43% of our respondents think The Pensions Advisory Service is the name of the service rather than an existing organisation that will help in providing the guidance.
"Although guidance is not a substitute for regulated advice, we urge the government to increase awareness of Pension Wise so people approaching retirement at least know the option is there. With the pension freedoms now imminent, it could prove disastrous if people make decisions without being aware of the range of options available."
'Only 3% know of Pension Wise name and 77% won't use it'
