Elect to receive benefits

If you left the scheme between 1 April 1998 and 31 March 2014 you now have the flexibility to take your benefits anytime between age 55 and the eve of your 75th birthday.

The Amendment Regulations are published online at LGPS Regulations.

When you can elect to receive your deferred benefits under the amended regulations

You may be able to claim your benefits from age 55 but they will be reduced if you do this. You can find an overview of the reductions which will apply to your pension on the LGPS Reduction Table.

If you do not contact us about payment we will not write to you until such time as your deferred benefits must be paid. This will be the eve of your 75th birthday, or the date any Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) is due (age 60 for women or age 65 for men). For more information about GMPs, see State pension information.

When benefits can be paid

• Date that you left the scheme - After 31 March 1998. 
• When can I elect to receive my deferred benefits? - Anytime between age 55 and the eve of your 75th birthday - unless a GMP is due. If you opted out of the Scheme, you may not be able to take payment of your benefits until you leave that local government employment.
• When we will contact you - Near to the date any GMP is due, or the date your benefits must be paid. 

If you wish to access your benefits early, see applying to access your benefits.

Employer discretion on early payment or waiving reductions

It may be possible for your former employer to waive any reductions that may apply to your benefits, see Employer discretion on early payment or waiving reductions.

Ill health

If you are suffering from a permanent medical condition, it may be possible to receive your benefits early on ill health grounds. If you think this applies to you, you should write to your former employer who will arrange a medical assessment.

If you left the LGPS before 1 April 2008 then your benefits can be brought into payment earlier on the grounds of ill health if an independent suitably qualified medical officer certifies that you are permanently incapable of carrying out the duties of your scheme employment because of ill health or infirmity of mind or body.

If you left the LGPS after 31 March 2008 (but before 1 April 2014) you can apply for payment of your deferred benefits at any age, without reduction if, because of your health, you would be permanently incapable of the job you were working in when you left the LGPS and you have a reduced likelihood of being capable of any gainful employment within three years of applying for the benefit, or by age 65, whichever is the earlier.

If you have 'opted out' of the LGPS, then the date when you can receive your deferred benefits is more complex. Please contact the Pensions office if you need more information on this.

For more information, see Leaving before retirement between 1 April 1998 and 31 March 2014.