Frequently asked questions for previous members

Q: What is pensions increase?

A: Public service pensions are increased under the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 and Section 59 of the Social Security Pensions Act 1975.

Pensions paid under the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) are reviewed each April, in line with inflation at the previous 30 September, so that they keep pace with the cost of living. Increases are based on the changes within the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Q: I left the LGPS within the last 12 months, why haven't I received the full increase?

A: If you left the LGPS on or before 26 April 2021 your pension will attract the full 3.1% increase as it has been in deferment for a full year. If you left the LGPS after this date a proportion of the full increase will apply within the first year. In subsequent years you will receive the full amount of any increase which is due.

Q: How does my deferred benefit increase?

A: In the year you leave the LGPS, the value of pension in your pension account (in respect of the pension built up from 1 April 2014 onwards ONLY) is revalued up to the date of leaving. This revaluation is applied on 1 April in line with HM Treasury Revaluation orders. If the cost of living has gone down in the year ending 30 September in the scheme year in which you leave, it is possible that the value of the deferred pension in your pension account could reduce.

For the period after your date of leaving, your total deferred benefits (including the benefits you built up before 1 April 2014) will be increased in line with CPI. However, if CPI goes down your deferred benefits will not be reduced. Your pension will also continue to receive CPI increases (if appropriate) every year once it is paid to you.

Q: When can I claim payment of my deferred benefits?

The earliest you can claim payment of your deferred benefits is currently age 55. If you elect to receive payment before your normal pension age, your pension benefits would be reduced. More information about how reductions are applied can be found on the national LGPS website.

Q: How do I get an estimate of the value of my deferred benefits when they come into payment?

A: As a Deferred Member of the Scheme you can run an estimate of the benefits you may receive if you were to retire from the Scheme through our online mypension service.  If you have not already done so, you will need to activate your account to be able to use this online service. You can find information about activating your mypension account on How to register . Once you have accessed your account, you will be able to find information about running an estimate on Estimating the amount you get.

Q: Can I draw my deferred benefits early on health grounds?

A: Yes, you can, as long as you meet the various conditions. There is no minimum age limit for drawing your deferred benefits early on the grounds of ill health, but there are various criteria that you must meet before you can do this:

• You must be permanently unable to do your former job (the one your deferred benefit resulted from)
• Your capacity for gainful employment will be considered. Gainful employment means paid employment of at least 30 hours a week for at least 12 months

It is your former employer who will decide whether you meet the conditions for ill health retirement, along with the assistance of a specially qualified doctor.

You need to approach your former employer, if you feel you meet the grounds for drawing your deferred benefits early on the grounds of ill health.

Please note: Your benefits won't be enhanced as they would be if you were still paying into the Scheme.

Q: What happens to my deferred pension benefits if I die before receiving them?

A: If you die before your deferred benefits are brought into payment, your next of kin needs to inform the Pension Fund. Depending on your dates of membership and your circumstances at the time of your death, survivor's benefits and a death grant may be payable. For further information, please read our What happens to your pension when you die page.

Q: Will my state pension be increased?

A:For any information regarding your state pension you should either contact your local Department for Work and Pensions office or alternatively visit www.gov.uk

Q: What happens if I rejoin the Scheme at a later date?

A: If you rejoin the Scheme, you will begin to build up a new set of pension benefits in addition to your deferred benefits. Your benefits will automatically be linked in most cases if you do not elect to keep them separate within 12 months of rejoining. However, if your previous deferred benefit is based on pre 01.04.2014 membership only, then the process is different in these cases, you will have to elect to link the two pension pots together within twelve months of joining.

Please note: If you became entitled to your deferred benefits as a result of making an election, on or after 11.04.2015, to opt out of membership of the Scheme, you will not be able to link your periods of membership together.

You can read more information on Options for re-joining the scheme.

Q: What does Lifetime Allowance mean?

The lifetime allowance is the total value of all pension benefits you can have without triggering a tax charge. If the value of your pension benefits when you draw them (not including any state retirement pension, pension credit or any partner's or dependant's pension you may be entitled to) is more than the lifetime allowance, you will have to pay tax on the excess benefits. The lifetime allowance covers any pension benefits you may have in all tax-registered pension arrangements - not just the LGPS. Further information on Lifetime Allowance can be found on Tax and your pension.

Q: Why does my membership history look different?

A: If you were in the Scheme from 1 April 2014, you may be affected by the McCloud judgment. To check if you have been affected, we need to update your membership history with the number of hours you worked. Once all of the records have been updated, we will be reviewing member records and if your pension entitlement does need to be recalculated, we will contact you. Further information on the McCloud judgement can be found on our website.

Q: Can I transfer my deferred pension benefits to my new pension scheme?

A: As long as it is more than one year before your Normal Pension Age, you can usually transfer your benefits from your LGPS Fund to another approved provider, including those offering the new flexibilities from Freedom and Choice.

You can read more information on our transferring your benefits page.