Steve the rules have changed since April 2015 with these "Pots" you are now able to take all the money out if you so wish, the first 25% is Tax free, the remainder you will pay Tax on at your standard rate, just be careful that when its added to your other income (your job) it doesnt take you into the higher rate Tax bracket, but for all intents and purposes you can regard this as Cash available or Cash in the Bank .