Old Pensions Advice

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Anyone help please. I have many old company pensions that I had with each job etc. On most I do get annual statements etc and was firstly looking at putting them all together which I know is possible. However, one of them that was the oldest tracked me down and actually sent me a cheque now (am only 38) and from what I can tell I only received the money back out as it was for a very small amount - under £1000.
However, what are the rules for getting any money back from old/possibly frozen pension funds? Do I have to wait until at least 50 or what are the exact rules which enabled me to get back one of them.
ALSO, I am actually emigrating later this year - what would this mean for them?
Many thanks

jonathon_hart

It is possible that you may be able to get a refund of your own contributions (less tax) from the schemes if you were in them for only a short period of time. You will need to contact the various administrators to see if this is possible. Note though if you do this you will almost certainly lose any money the company contribution on your behalf.

You can take retirement from pensions at age 55. Currently the minimum age is 50, however that is changing to 55 from 6 April 2010, so for you it will be age 55.

If you emigrate it may be possible to transfer them overseas, it will depend on where you emigrate to and exactly what benefits you have in the pension. However you would still be able to keep them in the UK if you prefer/ if that is more advantageous.

Jonathon