Elect to receive benefits

With effect from 14 May 2018, deferred members who left the Scheme before 1 April 2014 are now able to elect to take their pension on a reduced basis from age 55.

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 in advance of your 55th birthday we will not write to you until such time as your deferred benefits must be paid. As you left before 1 April 1998 this will be the date your unreduced benefits are payable, or the date any 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 - Before 1 April 1998. 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. If you are still in local government employment you may not be able to take payment of your benefits until you leave. You can contact the Pensions Office for more information about this.
• When can I elect to receive my deferred benefits? - Reduced from age 55, the date any GMP is due, or the date unreduced benefits are payable, if later
• 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.

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

For more information, see Leaving your job before 1 April 2008 with a deferred benefit.