You can claim your full, unreduced pension any time after your pension scheme’s retirement age – known as the Normal Pension Age (NPA):
Some members who have Reserved Rights or have been part of a bulk transfer may have a different retirement age. If you think this applies to you, contact your employer for more information.
The Civil Service Pensions Podcast will help you get to grips with your pension and make more informed choices about your financial future, whatever stage of life you're at.
Available now, wherever you get your podcasts.
Use the Pension Portal or other pension calculators to get an estimate of your pension amount and options.
4 months before your planned retirement date. If you’re still working for the Civil Service - talk to your employer about your plans to retire and arrange a planned retirement date. Your employer will then request a retirement quote from us.
If you have left the Civil Service and have an unclaimed pension – complete the Online Change of details and Retirement Form – Deferred members.
We’ll check your records and calculate your pension amount. We may need to contact you or your employer for more information.
Around 2 months before your planned retirement date we’ll send you a quote of your pension amount, an option form and personal details form.
For those members impacted by 2015 Remedy (McCloud), it will also include a choice about how you would like part of your benefits to be calculated.
You should complete and return your forms to us as soon as possible.
If we receive your completed forms at least 1 month before your planned retirement date, any lump sum due should be paid shortly after you retire, into the bank account you provided in your form.
You’ll receive your first pension payment a month after your retirement date. This is paid monthly, in arrears. If we receive your option form less than 1 month before your planned retirement date, it may result in a delay.