Latest pensioner newsletter - March 2026

In this edition, we share updates about the pension scheme, important Pension Increase information, useful support services and where to find help.

On 1 December 2025, Capita Pension Solutions Limited (Capita) took on the administration of the Civil Service Pension Scheme and the scheme transferred successfully to Capita for all pensioners in payment. The new administrator is providing more online services to assist you in the management of your pension and you’ll find information about that in the update below.

You may however have heard and read about the serious issues affecting members who are retiring or dealing with bereavement or ill health. Some of these problems have been longstanding with delays experienced from the previous administrator as well as the current one. It is unacceptable that this is happening. The Civil Service and Capita recognise that administrative delays have caused genuine distress and financial consequences to members. Action is being taken to address this urgently, and an expert recovery taskforce led by Angela MacDonald, Deputy Chief Executive at HMRC, is working alongside Capita and Cabinet Office focused on improving the position for members and their families. Please follow the progress of the taskforce on our dedicated Recovery Plan Updates page.

Thank you for your understanding while this work continues.

The increase takes effect from Monday 6 April and will show in the first pension payment you receive after this date. If your pension has been in payment for at least 12 months by that date, you will receive the full increase. If you have been receiving your pension for less than a year, your increase will be calculated on a pro rata basis and will be reflected accordingly.

You do not need to take any action. The increase is applied automatically.

More information can be found on our Yearly Pension Increase webpage.

Understanding your P60 and tax codes

Distribution of your Pensions Increase information, P60s and payslips will begin at the end of March and will be completed by the end of May. Please allow up to 10 working days from your usual pay date for postal documents to arrive. Royal Mail delays may affect delivery. You can check for any current service issues here: www.royalmail.com/service-update

If you have re-registered on the new portal and chosen to receive your communications digitally, your P60 and payslip will also be available there to view or download. If you have not yet re-registered, see “Registering for the new Portal” below for instructions. All P60s and payslips will be uploaded to the portal by the end of May.

This document shows the total pension you received in the tax year and the tax deducted. Check your P60 to make sure your tax code is correct, especially if:

• you receive more than one pension,
• you work part time after retirement, or
• you recently changed your personal details.

Tax codes are set by HMRC. If you think your tax code is incorrect, please contact HMRC directly. If HMRC issues a new code, it will be applied automatically to your pension in future payments.

Here are the key benefits of this change:

• You can sign into your account quickly.
• You can view, download or print your P60s and payslips at any time.
• Payslips are available for every payment you receive, not just when there are changes.
• You can keep them safely stored in one place.
• You can access previous P60s and payslips.

If you want to opt out of receiving online communications, you can tell us using the options below.

1. By using the Contact Us form on the website

Access the Contact Us form online. An online pension account is not required, but you will need to provide personal details.

When you use the Contact Us form, please select the Category: Digital Document Preferences, and then choose one of the following Topics:

• Opt Out of Digital Payslips only
• Opt Out of Digital P60s only or
• Opt out of both Digital Payslips and P60’s

2. By phone

Call our dedicated phone line on +44 (0)20 4639 2597 to tell us if you want to continue receiving your documents on paper. Lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Support and information

If you need any more support or information, please visit our website or sign in to your member portal account to send us a secure message.

Please don’t try to sign in using a previous username or password as this will not work.

The steps are:

1. Visit the CSPS website and select ‘Register for the Member Portal’
2. Enter your National Insurance number, date of birth, and personal email address
3. Create a secure password
4. Set up MFA (Multi Factor Authentication):
   • You’ll be asked to verify your identity using a one time security code sent to your email or mobile device or landline.
5. Once registration is complete, please allow the system 15 minutes to activate your account before signing in for the first time.

Each time you sign in, you’ll be asked to complete MFA ensuring an extra layer of protection for your pension records.

This short video and step by step guide will walk you through the registration process.

Benefits of the Portal

• View and download payslips, P60s and letters
• Update your address, email and other personal details
• Send secure messages directly to the pensions team
• View payment history and upcoming pension increases

Once registered, you can choose your preferences to receive future communication digitally via email and/or the member portal or paper communications.

Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance (CSPA)

Since 1952, CSPA has worked to protect and promote the interests of its members, particularly in areas relating to pensions, access to health and care, public transport and other services.

They work in partnership with other pensioner groups to ensure the voices of retired civil servants and others in later life are heard loud and clear.

Joining the CSPA means being part of a supportive community that not only protects your financial future but also fights for fairness and dignity in retirement. With access to expert help, strong advocacy, and local group and branch networks, the CSPA is a vital ally for anyone receiving a Civil Service pension.

Stay informed, stay connected, and stand with thousands of others who are shaping a better future for Civil Service pensioners.

For more information, and to join us, visit www.cspa.co.uk or telephone their office on 0208 688 8418.

Stay Connected in Retirement with the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship

For many people, retirement from the Civil Service is the start of an exciting new chapter. The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship (CSRF) is a national charity dedicated to helping former civil servants and their dependants enjoy a fulfilling and connected retirement. For over 60 years, the CSRF has provided friendship, advice and practical support to the civil service community. Its charitable services include national befriending schemes that help reduce loneliness through regular calls, letters or visits from volunteers, as well as local community groups across the UK where retirees can meet others, enjoy activities and build lasting friendships. The charity also offers a free advice and signposting service, helping people find support on a wide range of later-life issues.

The Charity for Civil Servants

The Charity for Civil Servants marks its 140th Anniversary in 2026, supporting the civil service community through life’s toughest moments. Since 1886, the Charity has been a constant throughout Civil Service life, offering free and confidential practical, financial and emotional support whenever people need it most, including in retirement.

The Charity can only do this, because current and retired colleagues choose to support us and spread the word, standing alongside one another when life gets tricky. Whether someone gives regularly, takes part in a fundraising event, or simply shares where support is available, every action helps ensure we are there for civil servants when they need support most.

We’re Your Charity for Life. Please sign up today to keep in touch and learn more about our services and ways you can support your Charity.

The State Pension age is currently 66. Between 6 April 2026 and 5 March 2028 the State Pension age will increase in gradual steps to 67, as set out in the Pensions Act 2014. If you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961, your State Pension age will be 66 plus a number of months - not simply 66.

Your State Pension doesn't just appear automatically - you must apply. The Pension Service will send you invitation letters to claim your State Pension around four months before you reach State Pension age with application details.

That's where the Check your State Pension forecast service is useful - it shows how much State Pension you could get and whether you can boost it by filling any gaps.

Find out your State Pension age. Use the State Pension age calculator tool on GOV.UK. Spread the word to family and friends.

Retirement can bring new opportunities but also new challenges and staying connected with others is often one of the best ways to maintain wellbeing.

Staying active

Many local councils and charities offer classes tailored for older adults, including:

• walking groups
• gentle exercise sessions
• online social activities
• community clubs

These opportunities promote mobility, social connection and overall mental health.

Looking after your health

The NHS provides a wide range of services for older adults. These include:

• free eye tests and prescriptions (subject to age and eligibility),
• flu and COVID-19 vaccinations,
• health checks,
• mental health and loneliness support.

If you care for someone else, or if someone is helping to care for you, there are also charities offering respite support, guidance and community connection.

Managing your finances

For more information, and to join us, visit www.cspa.co.uk or telephone 0208 688 8418.

If you would like to discuss general financial planning, organisations such as Citizens Advice, Age UK or MoneyHelper can help you explore benefits, money guidance and local support services.

You can contact the scheme administrator in any of the following ways:

Member Portal

Send secure messages at any time once you have registered on the Member Portal.

Website

Go to 'Contact Us' on the homepage

Telephone

0300 123 6666

Post

Civil Service Pensions
PO Box 713
Darlington
DL1 9JZ

For State Pension enquiries, updates to personal details, or tax code questions, please contact The Pension Service via GOV.UK