Pension contributions from unearned income.

[erictheone]

Probably a simple question for those who know about these things, but ......

I'm not retired (age 54 and UK resident) but voluntarily not going to be in employment for maybe a year or two. My income is interest from bank deposits, dividends, capital gains in investments, etc. I'm setting up a SIPP, primarily to transfer an old DB company pension into. Once that's set up, can I contribute to the SIPP from my current "unearned" income sources, and from accumulated savings? And, if so, do I get tax relief on the contributions in the normal way? Or can contributions and tax relief only come from employment income?

Struggles to find an answer elsewhere online.

[MichCat]

You are allowed to contribute £2,880 p.a. (£3,600 including the basic rate tax relief) regardless of income. To be able to claim tax relief beyond this, the contribution must come only from earned income.

[erictheone]

Many thanks, MichCat, for clear and helpful reply.