When can I get my pension?
The normal pension age for most members of premium is 60. This is the earliest that you can usually get your pension without it being reduced for early payment. You can apply to retire at any time from the age of 50 if you joined premium before 6 April 2006, or after 55 if you joined on or after that date. However, because your pension will be paid for more years, we will reduce it. This reduction to your pension is permanent.
It will help if you agree on your last day of service with your employer as far in advance as you can. Your employer will notify us and we’ll send you an estimate of your pension benefits, plus a Personal Details form – this is, your pension claim form.
You should check the details, complete and sign the form, and return it as quickly as possible.
Will you increase my pension?
Once your pension is in payment, we will usually increase it every April in line with rises in the cost of living.
Find out more about Pensions Increase (PI).
Can I continue to work and get my pension?
Partial retirement allows you, with the agreement of your employer, to draw some or all of your premium pension and remain in work. You must reduce your earnings by at least 20% to be eligible.
You must apply to take partial retirement no later than three months after your employer has agreed to reshape your job.
If your new salary and pension together exceed your salary before partial retirement, your pension may be reduced while you remain in employment. This is known as abatement.
Find out more about partial retirement.
Can I give some of my pension benefits to someone else?
Yes, you have the option to give up part of your pension to provide benefits for another person. This is known as ‘allocation’ of pension. You may choose to add to the benefits you have already provided for your husband, wife or civil partner, or to provide for another person who is dependent on you. You need to remember a number of points about allocating part of your pension.
You must be eligible.
You give up part of your pension permanently.
You can only allocate at final retirement; it is not possible to allocate when you take partial retirement.
You must make your allocation decision before we start to pay your final pension.
You cannot change or cancel the allocation, even if the person who would have received the benefits dies first.
The pension you allocate is payable for life and is not affected if you get married again or enter into a civil partnership
If you are interested in allocating your pension, contact us for more information.
