classic plus is one of the pension schemes in Civil Service Pensions (CSP).
The schemes cover all civil servants and certain groups of non-civil servants, subject to eligibility. For ease of reference, we use the term ‘civil servant’ in this booklet.
After 31 March 2015, with the introduction of the new scheme alpha, no person is in or is eligible to be in pensionable service under classic plus unless the person is a protected member. This is because all other members would’ve transitioned into the alpha scheme from 1 April 2015.
A protected member means either a full protection member or a tapered protection member.
If you’ve transitioned into alpha and you want to find out more about how this affects your pension, you should read the alpha scheme guide.
Up to 30 September 2002, the only pension offered to civil servants was the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS).
Up to and including 30 September 2002, you would’ve contributed 1.5% of your pay towards certain benefits.
Added pension is an additional pension that you can choose to buy.
If you leave voluntarily or opt out of classic plus before you retire, you have a choice of options.
Partial retirement allows you, with the agreement of your employer, draw some or all your pension and remain working.
You’ll receive an annual pension and a one-off lump sum.
You’ll be able to choose to give up part of your pension for an additional lump sum.
A lump sum is payable to the person(s) or organisation you’ve nominated when you die.
We hold your classic plus pension records and administer your pension on your employer’s behalf, including working out and arranging your pension payments.