Under a year left to connect: your connection questions answered

There’s now under a year until the final connection deadline for pensions dashboards – 31 October 2026. By this date, all pension providers and schemes in scope of the legislation need to have completed connection to the pensions dashboards ecosystem and be compliant with all their requirements set out in the legislation.

Over the next 12 months, it’s important we keep up momentum and work together to reach full connection. As well as being a legal requirement, it will mean over 99% of pension records will be findable and viewable through dashboards. This will help improve the user experience and build confidence in the service.

Here we answer your frequently asked questions about connection.

How many pension providers and schemes are already connected?

Since the first pension provider successfully connected to the pensions dashboards ecosystem in March, over 700 pension providers and schemes have connected.

This means over 60 million pension records from workplace and personal pensions are now connected to the dashboards ecosystem. This represents around three quarters of the total records in scope. The State Pension is also connected, adding tens of millions more records.

Does my organisation have to connect to dashboards?

All pension providers and schemes in scope of the dashboards legislation must have completed connection to the pensions dashboards ecosystem by 31 October 2026. This includes all personal pension providers subject to the FCA rules and all occupational pension schemes with 100 or more relevant members. Please consult:

• Pensions Dashboards Regulations 2022
• Pensions Dashboards (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Rules

What are my pensions dashboards duties?

Trustees and scheme managers are responsible for understanding and carrying out their pensions dashboards duties as detailed in the legislation, and must comply with all duties once they’re connected.

If they need further clarification, they should speak to their regulator or seek legal advice.

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has published guidance for trustees and managers of occupational pension schemes in scope for pensions dashboards.

When does my organisation have to connect?

Pension providers and schemes must have completed connection by 31 October 2026 and must have regard to the connection timetable in guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This sets out when providers and schemes, organised by type and size, are expected to connect.

As well as ensuring compliance, adhering to this timetable will help avoid unnecessary pressure and potential issues closer to the final deadline.

How do I connect?

Our connection hub provides detailed guidance and information on connecting to the pensions dashboards ecosystem, whether you are connecting directly or via a third party.

Most pension providers and schemes are connecting via a third-party connection provider, such as an integrated service provider (ISP) or a third-party administrator.

Our guidance sets out the step-by-step connection journey for organisations connecting via a third party.

I’m connecting via a third party. What if I can’t connect in line with my ‘connect by’ date in guidance?

In some cases, pension providers and schemes may not be able to connect in line with their ‘connect by’ date in guidance if they are connecting via a third-party connection provider.

PDP is partnering closely with the regulators, who understand the position and have provided reassurance they will take a pragmatic approach. At the current time, both regulators have been clear there will be no regulatory intervention for pension providers and schemes who are unable to meet their ‘connect by’ dates in guidance solely due to their dependence on an industry participant who has yet to connect.

What if I need to change my connection date?

If you are a pension provider or scheme planning to connect more than 30 days before or after your ‘connect by’ date in guidance, you can notify PDP and the relevant regulator of a change to your connection plans. This process applies to providers and schemes who have not yet been added to the connection portal.

Our guidance sets out the process, whether you’re connecting directly or via a third-party connection provider. Our video also provides a brief overview.

What is the final step in the connection process?

The final step of the connection process for pension providers and schemes depends on whether you are building your own direct connection to the pensions dashboards ecosystem or connecting via a third-party connection provider, which is the route most pension providers and schemes will take.

In this short video, we explain the final step of the process for both connection routes.

My organisation is out of scope of the legislation. Can I still connect?

Eligible occupational pension schemes that are not legally required to connect to pensions dashboards may choose to do so on a voluntary basis. Our voluntary connection guidance sets this out in detail.

We are currently seeking feedback from trustees and scheme managers by 31 December 2025, to help inform the proposed application process and its timeframe.

Our blog outlines what voluntary connection involves, who may apply, and why it might be beneficial for schemes and members.

What support or guidance is available?

Guidance and resources are available in our connection hub. Occupational pension schemes in scope should also refer to TPR’s pensions dashboards guidance.

If you are a pension provider or scheme due to connect and you have a question or need assistance, you should get in touch with PDP as soon as possible via support. Here you will also find a range of helpful articles and information.