Are my deferred benefits index linked?
Your deferred pension and lump sum are subject to annual increases during the period of deferment.
After your pension becomes payable, it is increased in line with the Retail Price Index.
Does my statement include all my service?
The Annual Benefit Statement includes all pensionable service together with any pension that you may have transferred from your previous employers scheme or a personal pension provider.
Can I still contribute into the Scheme?
Not unless you are currently employed with an employer who participates in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Can I transfer my benefits to my new employer’s scheme?
This may be possible but you must first ask your current scheme’s administrators if they will accept a transfer value. Regulations have recently changed whereby some schemes will only accept transfers if the member requests a transfer within 12 months of joining.
Can I receive my deferred benefits at age 60?
Yes – but they may be subject to an early retirement reduction. Your statement will show the first date that your benefits become payable without a reduction. We will contact you shortly before your 60th birthday, detailing the options available to you, including the amount of pension and lump sum.
What happens if I become ill before my benefits are due?
You may apply to your former employer to have your benefits released early on ill health grounds. In such circumstances you should contact your previous employer’s Personnel Department, who will arrange an appointment with an independent Doctor qualified in Occupational Health Medicine, who must certify that you are permanently incapable, until at least age 65 of performing the duties of your former employment.
What benefits will be payable if I die before I receive my deferred benefits?
Your retirement lump sum is paid as a death grant and will be automatically paid to your legal spouse unless you have nominated a beneficiary. A widow's/ widower's/civil partner's pension may also be payable, the pension is normally half of your deferred pension plus pensions increases, but please check the table below:
| Single |
No spouses pension payable |
| Female whose benefits were deferred before 6 April 1988 |
No widower's/civil partner's pension payable |
| Married male, whose marriage/civil partnership took place before benefits were deferred |
Half rate widow's pension based on all Scheme membership. For civil partnership half rate pension based on Scheme membership since 6 April 1988 |
| Married male, whose marriage/civil partnership took place after benefits were deferred |
Half rate widow's pension based on scheme membership after 5 April 1978. For civil partnership half rate pension based on Scheme membership after 5 April 1988 |
| Married female/civil partnership |
Half rate widower's/civil partner's pension based on all scheme membership after 5 April 1988 |
Children's pensions are payable to children who are under age 18 at your date of death although this age can be extended while full-time education continues.
What happens if I move house?
You must notify us of any change in address as soon as possible. You can use the reply form that comes with your statement or you can write to us.
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