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3.12 Small Self Administered Schemes (SSAS)

  • Since 1991 the following elements must be present for a scheme to be considered a SSAS:-


    1. There must be less than 12 members.
    2. At lease one must be a controlling director.
    3. Some or all of the assets must be invested other than in insurance policies.
  • SSASs are subject to the usual pension scheme rules, plus additional controls to take account of the fact that the trustees are directly responsible for managing the scheme and its investments, and because of the likelihood that the company directors, scheme members and trustees will be the same.

  • It is usual that the controlling directors of a company will be the main or only members of the scheme, and in their capacity as trustees control the scheme assets.

  • Areas of investment are strictly defined, and exclude such items as non-income producing assets, personal items such as cars, and residential property.

  • Permitted investments would be investment in the company's own shares, the purchase of commercial property and loans to the company or its subsidiaries, in addition to shares and derivatives.

  • SSASs must also have a special trustee called the Pensioneer Trustee whose role includes the particular duty of ensuring that the scheme is not wound up except in accordance with the deed and scheme rules


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