Question 1

What are the PLSA Retirement Living Standards?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 Retirement Living Standards are annual spending benchmarks after tax, published by Pensions UK (formerly PLSA). For one person they are £13,900 minimum, £32,700 moderate and £45,400 comfortable. 2026 spending benchmarks outside London. Rent and mortgage payments are extra; household bills and basic maintenance are included.

Question 2

How much pension do I need for a comfortable retirement?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 comfortable spending benchmark is £45,400 for one person or £62,700 for two people combined. For one person with a full State Pension, illustrative fully taxable withdrawals and 2026/27 England, Wales and Northern Ireland income tax, a 4% withdrawal rate implies a pot of about £1,054,300. The equivalent moderate target is £629,613. These are illustrations, not guarantees.

Question 3

Does the State Pension count toward the PLSA standards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. State Pension income contributes towards the spending budget, but the standards measure money available after tax. The calculator allows for a full State Pension for one person, or two full State Pensions and equal pension ownership for a two-person household. Actual entitlement and tax may differ.

Question 4

Are the PLSA standards realistic for someone with a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

No — the PLSA figures explicitly assume you have no mortgage or rent payments in retirement. If you'll still be paying a mortgage or renting, you'll need a significantly higher income than these benchmarks suggest. The PLSA recommends adding your expected housing costs on top of the standard figures.

What will your retirement look like?