NHS Pensions

Understanding your NHS Pension can be an important part of planning for your future. This page has been designed to provide you with easy access to information and support to help answer your questions and guide you through key aspects of the NHS Pension Scheme.

Within this page, you will find:

• NHS Pensions Contact Information – Details of how to get in touch with NHS Pensions and other relevant support services when you need further assistance.
• NHS Pensions Podcast – Helpful discussions and insights covering a range of pension topics, designed to support your understanding of the scheme.
• NHS Pension FAQs – Answers to common questions about membership, contributions, retirement options, benefits and more.
• Useful Links

Whether you are new to the NHS, approaching retirement, or simply looking to understand your pension benefits better, the resources on this page are here to help.

• NHS Pensions Contact information

  

• Catch up on all episodes of our NHS Pensions Podcast!

  Each episode sees the team break down the different aspects of the Scheme - from the benefits of joining to planning for retirement at the end of your career.

  Listen now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist...

  Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vmerglZnsXP27JMIAXRN..

  A new NHS Podcast is now available. In this episode, the panel explore Partial Retirement, explaining how it works and what the benefits are.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=cBF8xfnQ9Jw&t=1s

Useful Links

• NHS Pensions Member Hub: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/member-hub
• My NHS Pension Portal: https://mynhspension.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
• NHS Employers Pensions Guidance: https://www.nhsemployers.org/pensions
• Pension Estimates: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/member-hub/getting-estimate-your-pension

NHS Pension Scheme Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• 1. What is the NHS Pension Scheme?

  The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit pension scheme available to eligible NHS employees. This means your pension benefits are based on Scheme rules and your pensionable earnings and service, rather than investment performance. It is considered one of the most valuable employment benefits available within the NHS.

• 2. Which NHS Pension Scheme am I in?

  There are three sections of the NHS Pension Scheme:

  • 1995 Section
  • 2008 Section
  • 2015 Scheme

  Most active members now build up benefits in the 2015 Scheme, although many members may also have benefits in the 1995 or 2008 Sections from previous service. Different retirement ages and benefit calculations apply to each section.

  The easiest way to find out which NHS Pension Scheme section you're in is to check your Total Reward Statement (TRS) or Annual Benefit Statement (ABS). These will show whether you have benefits in the 1995 Section, 2008 Section, and/or 2015 Scheme.

• 3. Who can join the NHS Pension Scheme?

  Most NHS employees who hold pensionable employment are automatically eligible to join the Scheme. If you are not currently a member, you can normally apply through your employer's payroll or pensions team.

• 4. Why should I stay in the NHS Pension Scheme?

  The Scheme offers:

  • An income in retirement.
  • Life assurance and death benefits.
  • Ill health retirement benefits.
  • Benefits for eligible dependants.
  • Inflation-linked pension increases once in payment.
  • Employer contributions towards the cost of your pension.
• 5. How much do I contribute?

  Contribution rates are based on your annual pensionable pay and are reviewed periodically. Both employees and employers contribute towards the cost of NHS Pension Scheme membership.

  Contribution Rates from 1 April 2026

  Annual Pensionable Pay	Contribution Rate
  Up to £13,259	5.2%
  £13,260 to £28,854	6.5%
  £28,855 to £35,155	8.3%
  £35,156 to £52,778	9.8%
  £52,779 to £67,668	10.7%
  £67,669 and above	12.5%

  The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) reviews contribution tiers annually on 1 April, using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to adjust pensionable pay ranges. The lowest contribution tier is reviewed separately to support lower-paid members.

• 5A. Why have contribution rates changed?

  The DHSC has updated both:

  • The pensionable pay ranges used to determine contribution levels.
  • The percentage contribution rates paid by members.

  These changes help reduce the gap between contribution tiers while ensuring the Scheme remains affordable and sustainable.

• 6. How do I update my personal details?

  If your name, address, marital status or other personal details change, you should:

  1. Inform your employer.
  2. Ensure your details are updated on ESR (where applicable).
  3. Check your details through My NHS Pension if registered.
• 7. What should I do if I get married, enter a civil partnership, divorce, or separate?

  Changes in your personal circumstances can affect pension benefits and death benefits.

  You should notify your employer and review any beneficiary nominations you have made. Additional information and guidance are available through the NHS Pensions Member Hub.

• 8. Can I nominate someone to receive benefits if I die?

  Yes. You can nominate a person or persons to receive any lump sum death benefit that may become payable. It is important to keep your nomination up to date if your circumstances change.

• 9. When can I retire?

  Your normal pension age depends on which section of the Scheme your benefits are held in:

  • 1995 Section: Age 60
  • 2008 Section: Age 65
  • 2015 Scheme: Your State Pension Age, or age 65 if higher
• 10. Can I retire before my normal pension age?

  Yes. Members may be able to take benefits before their normal pension age. However, in most cases, benefits taken early will be reduced because they are expected to be paid for longer.

• 11. Can I continue working and access part of my pension?

  Yes. The NHS Pension Scheme offers flexible retirement options including Partial Retirement (Drawdown).

  From 1 October 2023, eligible members can take part or all of their pension benefits whilst continuing NHS employment.

  Members may be able to:

  • Draw between 20% and 100% of their pension benefits.
  • Take benefits in one or two drawdown events.
  • Continue working after accessing pension benefits.
  • Receive a monthly pension and, where applicable, a lump sum payment.

  Eligibility Criteria

  To qualify for Partial Retirement you must:

  • Be an active member of the NHS Pension Scheme.
  • Have reached minimum pension age (usually age 55).
  • Not have previously taken partial retirement on more than one occasion.
  • Have maintained your existing level of pensionable pay for at least 12 months.
  • Reduce pensionable pay by at least 10%.
  • Intend for the reduced pay level to remain in place for at least 12 months.

  Important Considerations

  • Members must normally claim 100% of any eligible 1995/2008 Section benefits before drawing down 2015 Scheme benefits.
  • The McCloud Remedy may impact retirement benefits calculations.
  • NHSBSA provides a Partial Retirement Calculator and guidance toolkit.

  Once agreed with your manager, complete the Trust's Drawdown/Partial Retirement NHS Pension Form.

• 12. How do I apply for retirement?

  Members should discuss retirement plans with their employer well in advance of their intended retirement date and complete the required pension claim forms. Early planning helps avoid delays in payment.

• 13. What is Ill Health Retirement?

  Ill Health Retirement allows eligible members who become permanently incapable of carrying out their job because of illness or injury to access their pension benefits before normal retirement age.

• 14. Am I eligible for Ill Health Retirement?

  To be considered for Ill Health Retirement, you must generally:

  • Have at least two years' qualifying membership.
  • Be below your normal pension age.
  • Be permanently incapable of carrying out your NHS role due to ill health.
• 15. What is Tier 1 and Tier 2 Ill Health benefits?

  Tier 1

  • Payable if you are permanently incapable of performing your NHS role.

  Tier 2

  • Payable if you meet Tier 1 criteria and are also permanently incapable of undertaking regular employment of a similar nature before reaching normal pension age.
• 16. How do I apply for Ill Health Retirement?

  Speak to your manager, HR department, pensions team, occupational health adviser or medical practitioner. An Ill Health Retirement application form (AW33E) must be completed and submitted for assessment by NHS Pensions.

• 17. Can I leave the NHS Pension Scheme?

  Yes. Membership is voluntary and you can opt out at any time.

  To opt out:

  1. Visit the NHS Pensions website.
  2. Select Member Hub.
  3. Select Leaving or taking a break from the Scheme.
  4. Download and complete form SD502 - Application to Leave the NHS Pension Scheme.

  Submit the completed form email a scanned copy from your Trust email account to:

  (insert email)

  Forms received by the Pension Department will normally result in membership ending from the first day of the next pay period.

• 18. What should I consider before opting out?

  Opting out means you may lose valuable benefits, including:

  • Future pension build-up.
  • Life assurance cover.
  • Ill health retirement cover.
  • Dependants' benefits linked to future Scheme membership.

  You may wish to seek independent financial advice before making a decision.

• 19. Can I rejoin the Scheme after opting out?

  In most cases, yes. Eligible employees can normally rejoin the Scheme by contacting their employer and requesting pension membership be restarted.  

• 20. Can I get a refund of my pension contributions?

  A refund may be available if:

  • You have less than two years' qualifying membership.
  • You leave pensionable employment.
  • You have not reached normal pension age.
  • Your benefits are not transferred to another pension arrangement.

  To apply, complete:

  • SD502 - Application to Leave the NHS Pension Scheme
  • RF12 - Application for Refund of Pension Contributions

  If eligible, refunds are usually paid approximately two months after the date of opting out.

• 21. How can I find out how much pension I have built up?

  You can view your pension information through:

  • Your Annual Benefit Statement (ABS)
  • Total Reward Statement (TRS)
  • My NHS Pension (where available)
• 22. How do I obtain a pension estimate?

  You should first access your:

  • Annual Benefit Statement (ABS)
  • Total Reward Statement (TRS)

  If these are unavailable, or if a more specific estimate is required, you may be able to request an estimate from NHS Pensions or your employer by completing - Pension Estimate Request Form – Fill in form

• 23. Where can I access my pension information online?

  You can register for or sign into My NHS Pension, which allows members to view and manage pension information online.

• 24. What is the Annual Allowance and Tax Ready Reckoner?

  The NHS Pension Scheme Annual Allowance (AA) and Tax Ready Reckoner is an online tool developed by NHS Employers to help members understand:

  • Pension growth during the tax year.
  • Potential Annual Allowance liabilities.
  • Whether the tapered Annual Allowance may apply.
  • The estimated cost of Scheme membership.
  • Projected future pension growth.

  The Ready Reckoner currently assesses the 2025/26 tax year.

• 24a. Who should use the Ready Reckoner?

  The tool may be particularly useful for:

  • Higher earners.
  • Staff who have received significant pay increases or promotions.
  • Employees who have reduced or cancelled substantial salary sacrifice arrangements.
  • Members concerned about Annual Allowance tax charges.
• 24b. What do the Ready Reckoner ratings mean?

  The tool provides a traffic-light assessment:

  Green

  You are projected to be well below the Annual Allowance.

  Amber

  You are projected to be approaching the Annual Allowance.

  Red

  You are projected to exceed the Annual Allowance.

  A red rating does not automatically mean you will pay an Annual Allowance tax charge, but it does indicate that further investigation may be required.

• 24c. What information do I need before using the Ready Reckoner?

  You should have:

  • Your most recent Annual Benefit Statement (ABS).
  • A recent payslip.
  • Details of any Additional Pension purchases or other pension arrangements.

  The tool also allows you to download a summary PDF for discussions with your employer or financial adviser.

• 25. What is the McCloud Remedy?

  The McCloud Remedy addresses age discrimination identified in the 2015 public service pension reforms.

  From 1 April 2022, all active NHS Pension Scheme members build pension benefits in the 2015 Scheme.

  Benefits earned in the 1995 and 2008 Sections remain protected and continue to retain their final salary link provided membership is not broken for more than five years.

• 26. Will I lose my 1995 or 2008 Scheme protections?

  No. Protected benefits in the 1995 and 2008 Sections remain linked to your final pensionable pay and retain their original retirement ages, subject to Scheme rules.

• 27. Can I choose whether my remedy period service is in the legacy scheme or the 2015 Scheme?

  Yes. For service between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022, affected members will generally be offered a choice of benefits at the point they access their pension. This is known as the Deferred Choice Underpin (DCU).

• 28. How does McCloud affect Annual Allowance?

  Members affected by rollback may receive revised Pension Savings Statements.

  HMRC has introduced processes allowing eligible members to:

  • Reassess Annual Allowance charges.
  • Apply for refunds of overpaid charges.
  • Claim compensation where appropriate.
  • Settle underpaid Annual Allowance amounts.

  Affected members will receive updated information from NHS Pensions where applicable.

• 29. Can I still retire and return to NHS employment?

  Yes.

  Subject to local organisational policies and management approval, members can normally retire and return to NHS employment.

  The process usually involves:

  1. Discussing plans with your manager.
  2. Completion of the relevant retirement/retire and return form.
  3. Receiving a retirement pack from the pensions team.
  4. Returning completed pension forms and identification documents.
  5. Submission of the pension application to NHS Pensions.

  NHS Pensions aims to process retirement awards within 30 days of retirement where all documentation has been correctly received.

• 30. Who should I contact if I have a pension query?

  You can contact:

  • Your local Payroll Team
  • Your Organisation's Pensions Team
  • NHS Pensions via the NHSBSA Member Hub
  • My NHS Pension support services where appropriate