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AI and your pension - dos and don'ts

13 May 2026

Using AI for your pension questions? Here’s a few things you need to know…

New AI tools like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini can seem like a handy way to learn more about your pension – but it’s important you use them carefully. Remember, these chatbots are unlikely to know all the scheme rules or understand your personal circumstances. They are also not regulated advisers and you’re unlikely to have any protection if you make decisions based on incorrect details they have given you. 

Below, you can find some general tips on using AI safely in relation to your pension, and some things you should really avoid. This is based on the latest advice from trusted organisations such as MoneyHelper, the National Cyber Security Centre, The Pensions Regulator and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). 

AI dos and don’ts 


Don't share personal of financial details 
Never enter your personal data into a public AI chatbot. That means no names, addresses, National Insurance numbers, payroll or pension numbers, account logins or exact financial figures. Also avoid pasting in your scheme paperwork too. 

Anything you type into these tools could be stored by the AI provider. Even if it’s not visible to other users, it’s on their servers and out of your control. Keep your queries general instead – for example, ask “How do UK pensions tax-free lump sums work?” rather than “My Uniper pension of £XYZ…”.

DON’T rely on AI for personal pension advice or decisions
AI chatbots are not regulated financial advisers and there’s no protection in place if their information is wrong. They can’t consider your individual circumstances either. So, if an AI suggests: “You should move your pension” or gives specific investment tips, treat it with extra caution – it isn’t personal advice. 

Use AI for general ideas and education only. If you need tailored guidance, you should use a regulated financial adviser instead, such as Origen for Final Salary and Retirement Balance Plan (RBP) members or Fidelity’s Retirement Service for UPP members. For more information, visit the help and advice page. 

DO use AI for general learning
Think of AI as an online encyclopaedia or a tool for quick definitions. It’s usually okay to ask general questions like “How does tax relief on pensions work?” or ” What’s the difference between a defined benefit and a defined contribution pension?”. 

An AI can then give you a simple explanation or list of points to help you learn more about these broad topics, but it’s unlikely to be scheme specific, and should be considered a starting point rather than a standalone source.

DO double-check anything an AI tells you
AI answers can be incomplete or even incorrect, even when they sound confident. You should always cross-check important information with a trusted source.  

For example, if an AI gives you a figure for the State Pension or tax limits, check it against the latest official figures on gov.uk. If it says “Your scheme allows X”, confirm that by reading your member guide, checking this website or contacting us directly. Never make a pension decision based solely on an AI answer – get it confirmed by a reliable source.

DO stay alert for scams
Sadly, scammers are using AI now, too. They might use it to create extremely convincing fake emails or messages that look like they’re from the scheme or other financial institutions. You should always be careful 
with any unexpected communication about your pension. 

If you get a message about your pension that doesn’t seem right, please contact us directly using the official contact details, not the ones in the message. And remember, never share one-time passcodes or login passwords – no legitimate company will ask for those in full.

You can find more details about staying safe from scams on the scams webpage. 

DO keep using official sources and help
Think of AI as a helpful extra, not your main source of truth. Always check back with official channels for your pension queries. For example, you can: 
  • Log in to your myESPS or PlanViewer account for specific information about your pension and benefits 
  • Browse this Uniper pension website for up-to-date information about the scheme.
  • Read our member guides and newsletters (available on this site) which are written with reliable, scheme-specific details
  • Use trusted, free services like MoneyHelper (the government’s money and pensions guidance service) or Pension Wise for general guidance and to talk through your options. They can help you understand things in context.
  • If you’re making a significant decision (like transferring a pension or changing investments), consider speaking with a regulated financial advisor.  You can learn more about this on the help and advice page
  • Get in touch
  • ESPS: 02476 472 544
    UPP: 0800 368 6868
    AVCs: 0345 606 0075
  • ESPS: 2 Rye Hill Office Park, Birmingham Road, Coventry, CV5 9AB
    UPP: Fidelity Pension Service Centre, Beech Gate, Millfield Lane, Lower Kingswood, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 6RP