The scheme rules changed on 1 April 2008 and 1 April 2014, so what you will receive at retirement depends on when you joined the scheme. The way we calculate your retirement benefits differs, depending on your date of joining.
What has changed?
- If you have membership prior to 1 April 2008, you will receive a tax free lump sum, followed by monthly pension payments.
- If you have membership on or after 1 April 2008, you will receive a monthly pension, with the option to convert some of this pension into a lump sum at retirement.
- If you have membership on or after 1 April 2014, you will still receive a monthly pension with the option of a lump sum, but your benefits will be based on your career average revalued earnings (CARE). See the 'how is my pension calculated?' page for more information.
The right to accrue an automatic lump sum was removed when the scheme rules changed in 2008. Lump sums accrued prior to 1 April 2008 will be protected and you will receive a tax free lump sum at retirement. However as of 1 April 2008 all members stopped accruing an automatic lump sum. Therefore, if you joined after the above date you will not receive an automatic lump sum at retirement.
You will however have the option to convert some of your pension into a one off, tax free lump sum at retirement. The lump sum modeller on the LGPS member website, allows you to work out how much pension you can convert to a lump sum at retirement.
Please view our how is my pension calculated page for more details.
Can I access my details online?
As a member of the Fund, you can sign up for My Pension Online, which allows you to access your pension account details and calculate pension benefits estimates securely online. To find out more about this member self-service facility and sign up, please visit our My Pension Online section of this website.