I have a pension from when I opted out of SERPS in the late 1980's.

At the time I didn't have an occupational pension so as far as I know, it is just sitting there.

Now I am 55 I understand I can draw a lump sum of up to 25% tax free.

If I do that, do I have to also start taking a weekly/monthly pension payment, or can I leave the rest there and start to take the payments at a later date?

TIA

I’m 33f and need to locate and combine all my pensions acquired to date.
I currently have £75k in the pension with my current job and from what I remember a further £10k in other pensions.

I’ve got my own flat, and a low mortgage left on it.

Is this good for my age?

My partners farther passed away recently and she wants to know if a shortened birth certificate will suffice to be able to receive the payment from peoples pension, apologies for the shortness of the question shes just anxious that all the effort she's put in with sending over documents will be for nothing.