What is Remedy?
Remedy relates to changes made to public service pension schemes in 2015. Most public sector workers were moved into reformed career average pension schemes. For Civil Service Pension Scheme members, this was alpha. In 2018, the Court of Appeal found that some of the rules introduced in 2015 were discriminatory based on age. Remedy is the process of putting this right for affected members.
What period does Remedy cover?
The Remedy period is 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022. If you’re affected, we may need to review how your pension benefits were built up during this period.
What is Deferred Choice Underpin?
Deferred Choice Underpin, or DCU, means eligible members will be given a choice about which pension scheme benefits they would prefer to receive for the Remedy period. The choice is between legacy scheme (PCSPS) benefits and alpha benefits for the pension built up during the Remedy period. The choice is deferred until shortly before retirement, so it can be based on known circumstances rather than assumptions about your future career, health, retirement or other factors.
What is a Remediable Service Statement?
A Remediable Service Statement, or RSS, gives information about your pension benefits for the Remedy period. For some members, it may show benefits under both PCSPS and alpha. Your RSS will explain whether you need to make a decision or whether the statement is for information only.
Why haven’t I received my RSS yet?
Some members' records require additional review before a full RSS can be produced. This may be due to circumstances such as EPA or EEPA purchases, partial retirement, formal retirement, pension transfers, pension sharing orders, Scheme Pays debits or data issues that require further investigation.
We're continuing to develop and implement the processes needed to issue RSSs as efficiently as possible. If you haven't received your RSS yet, you do not usually need to take any action. We'll contact you when your statement is ready or if we need further information from you. Please keep checking the Remedy Hub for further updates.
Can I request my RSS early?
In most cases, no. Your RSS can only be issued once the required checks and calculations have been completed. If you’re planning to retire, you should continue with the normal retirement process. Your Remedy retirement quotation will provide the information you need.
Will Remedy delay my retirement?
You do not need to delay your retirement plans because of Remedy. If you’re affected, your retirement quote will include information about how your benefits for the Remedy period are treated.
Can CSPS tell me which option to choose?
No. We cannot recommend which option is best for you. We’ll provide information to help you understand your options, but the right choice will depend on your personal circumstances. You may wish to consider independent financial advice.
Could Remedy affect my tax position?
For some members, yes. Current CSPS guidance explains that Pension Input Amounts are being recalculated for members affected by rollback, and that Remedy Pension Savings Statements may replace previously issued Pension Savings Statements where relevant. Not every member will be affected by pension tax changes. If this applies to you, we’ll provide further guidance.
