Accessing your UK pension can be done, but everything must be done by 'post' as they do not like email correspondence.
Having said that, they are only following standard operational procedures to ensure security and prevent fraud, it just takes so much longer. Once payment method and transfer details set up, everything seems to work fine.
Private pension funds or 'Super' each situation is different.
Living standards.
As stated, it depends entirely on the individual, there is a vast difference between 'living local' 'living carefully' and full 'gone troppo'
With no previous Indo/Bali experience it is pretty hard to describe to you some of the 'levels' of existence. But there is nothing wrong with most street stall food that comes at sometimes a tenth of the price of the same fare in hotels or upper end restaurants.
Your best bet would probably be get yourself set up in a 'Kost' first of all, a low cost guest house, these vary from nice big airy rooms with aircon and private bathrooms, to poky little rabbit warrens with shared facilities. I would also suggest Sanur as the best place to base yourself until you find your bearings and get used to the culture and pace of life. Most of the 'working men' I know live in, around, or socialise in Sanur.
Kuta, whilst a great attraction on the surface for a first time visitor rapidly palls when you realise every vendor, bar, hotel, bar girl, taxi and restaurant owner sees only the huge ATM sign tattooed on your forehead.
Avoid Ubud unless you are a 'teacher' 'author' 'spiritual enlightened individual' 'vastly superior to working class oiks' 'a pretentious twat' or 'an extra from Wuthering Heights'.
Check out the likes of Singaraja etc. once you have more Bali time under your belt.
Working, as stated is very difficult for a new arrival with no previous contacts, the rule of thumb being you cannot take a job which could be done by an Indonesian. Unfortunately your previous skills are all well covered by locals, especially the 'doorman/security' scenario where the local wannabe mafioso/thugs run everything. The usual route for 'retired' expats is to join 'the coalition of the billing' and advertise your self as a 'consultant' ... should you wish to try this you will have to be very creative with your resume...and again you will need 'contacts'. Do not under any circumstances be tempted to work 'illegally' despite what some people say on the various forums, it can and will cost you dearly.
Do not consider opening a business or partnership of any kind until you have been resident here at least 25 years, and even then, be careful! Exaggeration of course but I think you'll get the point, again the forums are full of 'excited' arrivals with their 'new' and 'totally original' ideas... that are posting bitterly twelve months later that they have 'lost everything'. Also as a new arrival you will be amazed how some people know this and approach you with fantastic 'investment' proposals ... yes there are Nigerian Princes on Bali wearing Bintang singlets and thongs!
Beware of expats bearing gifts, if it sounds 'too good to be true' then it is 'too good to be true' but also be prepared to listen to those who have 'been there' 'seen there' and 'bought the cheese'.
Never take the place too seriously, avoid anyone in a uniform, respect the 'system' but use it, go with the flow but learn which way to swim when the tide turns.
Good luck.