Annual Pension Statements for 2024 are now available to all our active and deferred members via My Pension+.
Whether retirement is 2 years or 20 years away, it is never too early to check in on your pension. Sparing just a few minutes to review your pension figures can keep you on the right track for the retirement you want.
Our My Pension+ portal was updated in summer 2023, so to view your statement you must register to use the new site:
Once you are logged in, visit the “Annual Benefit Statement” page and view the personalised video or click through the tabs for detailed figures.
What is My Pension+?
My Pension+ is our secure, online member portal. My Pension+ allows members to see data we hold on your pension record and perform a variety of functions including making changes to your contact details and using pension calculators.
Why has My Pension+ changed?
My Pension+ replaced our previous My Pension system in summer 2023. Not only does the new portal look different but it also features a host of new developments including simplified log in, improved security, video statements and forecasting tools. More exciting developments are currently in progress as we continue to utilise the new technology available.
I am struggling to log in to My Pension+, what do I do?
If you are having difficulties registering for My Pension+ and require further assistance, please contact us and be ready to quote your name, date of birth and National Insurance Number.
How do I access previous pension statements?
If you are a Deferred member, with a pension on hold until retirement, the Annual Benefit Statement area of My Pension+ will only show your 2024 pension statement at present. Moving forward, future benefit statements will be added to this area. You will find previous statements in the Documents and Uploads section under “Files sent to me”.
If you are an Active member, currently paying into the scheme, the “Annual Benefit Statement” area of My Pension+ contains previous statements, you simply have to select the “Statement Year” you wish to view in the drop-down menu.
Where do I view statements for other roles I have?
To view statements for other records, use the “Employment” drop-down menu. You’ll see this on the top left of the Annual Benefit Statement page.
Can I have a paper copy of my statement?
If you still like having a hard copy or you ever need to share it with your financial advisor, you can download, save and print a copy of your statement. Simply click the “Download Your Statement” button at the bottom of the page. Alternatively you can contact us and we can issue a paper statement.
What does my pension statement show?
Your pension statement gives a breakdown of the information we hold on your pension record. In short, the current value of your pension and how much your loved ones will receive in the event of your death.
My details are incorrect, how can I update them?
You can use My Pension+ to update your address and death grant nomination details, however to update personal details such as name or title, please contact us.
Information about your pension can vary depending on your membership type, e.g. active members paying into the scheme may have different questions from deferred members with their pension currently on hold.
Below are commonly asked questions by active and deferred members to assist you with any queries you may have.
Active Member FAQs
How is my pension worked out?
How your pension is calculated depends on when you were paying into the scheme:
Once your pension is in payment, it will continue to increase each year in line with the cost of living.
What is the lump sum?
This refers to a one-off lump sum paid when you take your pension. If you joined the Pension Scheme on or after 31 March 2009 there is no automatic lump sum and the value shown is zero.
If you do not get an automatic lump sum, or you want to increase your lump sum, you can swap some annual pension for tax-free lump sum (within HMRC limits). For every £1 of annual pension you give up, you get £12 of lump sum.
Can I top up my pension?
There are two ways to increase your pension by paying more:
For more information on this click here.
Can I reduce my pension contributions?
You can reduce your pension contributions by joining 50/50. 50/50 allows you to pay half the contributions while building up half the pension. This way, instead of opting out and saving nothing, you can continue to save for your retirement. For more information visit here.
When can I take my pension?
You can choose to take your pension anytime between age 55 and 75. However if you take your pension before your Normal Pension Age (NPA), your pension may be reduced due to early payment. Normal Pension Age is simply the age your pension benefits can be paid in full, without any reductions. Normal Pension Age varies depending on when you built up your benefits:
You cannot take your pre and post 31 March 2015 benefits separately. They must be taken at the same time.
You can find out more about taking your pension here.
What is a death grant and who will receive it?
This is a tax-free lump sum paid in the event of your death. You can tell the Fund who you would like to receive this grant. Although we do not have to follow your wishes we will do so wherever we can. You can update death grant nominations automatically via My Pension+ or by completing the Expression of Wish form.
Note that any expression of wish may cease to have effect if you subsequently marry or enter into a civil partnership or end your marriage or civil partnership.
Can I transfer my pension to another pension fund?
You can transfer your pension as long as:
You should contact your new provider to see if they will accept the transfer. If they do, they will normally contact us directly to begin the process, however you should follow their transfer procedure as each company is different.
It is important to note that the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) has unique benefits that other pension providers may not offer, including a guaranteed annual pension paid for life, so it is worth taking time to consider any decisions carefully.
For more information on transfers click here.
Can I transfer another pension into this pension?
We cannot accept transfers from personal or private pension schemes. Transfers in to the Fund are only accepted from:
A full list of Club members is available on the Civil Service Pension Fund website.
You have 12 months from joining the Fund to transfer in other pension benefits.
For more information on transfers click here.
Can I withdraw or cash in my pension?
If you want to withdraw or cash in your pension, you need to transfer to another pension provider who offers this option. You are required by law to get independent financial advice before the transfer can happen if your pension benefits are worth £30,000 or more. You will also need to prove that this advice has been sought.
It is important to note that the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) has unique benefits that other pension providers may not offer, including a guaranteed annual pension paid for life, so it is worth taking time to consider any decisions carefully.
There are some conditions for transferring your pension which you can read about here.
What if I want an estimate for retiring?
To see an estimate of the value of your pension, you can use our benefit calculators on My Pension+ which can forecast how your pension looks in different scenarios.
My Pension+ also has a new Retirement Planner tool which shows how much pension is needed for different lifestyles. The Retirement Planner pulls together information to give a total overview of your pension and how it looks retiring at different ages with different lump sums. This gives a detailed insight into your pension and the options you have.
Alternatively you can request a benefit estimate from us which may take 6-8 weeks.
I want to take my pension – what should I do?
When you are ready to take your pension, the first step is to speak to your employer about retiring and agree a retirement date. Your employer will then contact the NESPF and we will be in touch with you. For more information visit here.
Deferred Member FAQs
How is my pension worked out?
How your pension is calculated depends on when you were paying into the scheme:
Once your pension is in payment, it will continue to increase each year in line with the cost of living.
What is the lump sum?
This refers to a one-off lump sum paid when you take your pension. If you joined the Pension Scheme on or after 31 March 2009 there is no automatic lump sum and the value shown is zero.
If you do not get an automatic lump sum, or you want to increase your lump sum, you can swap some annual pension for tax-free lump sum (within HMRC limits). For every £1 of annual pension you give up, you get £12 of lump sum.
When can I take my pension?
You can choose to take your pension anytime between age 55 and 75. However if you take your pension before your Normal Pension Age (NPA), your pension may be reduced due to early payment. Normal Pension Age is simply the age your pension benefits can be paid in full, without any reductions. Normal Pension Age varies depending on when you built up your benefits:
You cannot take your pre and post 31 March 2015 benefits separately. They must be taken at the same time.
You can find out more about taking your pension here.
What is a death grant and who will receive it?
This is a tax-free lump sum paid in the event of your death. You can tell the Fund who you would like to receive this grant. Although we do not have to follow your wishes we will do so wherever we can. You can update death grant nominations automatically via My Pension+ or by completing the Expression of Wish form.
Note that any expression of wish may cease to have effect if you subsequently marry or enter into a civil partnership or end your marriage or civil partnership.
Can I transfer my pension to another pension fund?
You can transfer your pension as long as:
You should contact your new provider to see if they will accept the transfer. If they do, they will normally contact us directly to begin the process, however you should follow their transfer procedure as each company is different.
It is important to note that the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) has unique benefits that other pension providers may not offer, including a guaranteed annual pension paid for life, so it is worth taking time to consider any decisions carefully.
For more information on transfers click here.
Can I withdraw or cash in my pension?
If you want to withdraw or cash in your pension, you need to transfer to another pension provider who offers this option. You are required by law to get independent financial advice before the transfer can happen if your pension benefits are worth £30,000 or more. You will also need to prove that this advice has been sought.
It is important to note that the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) has unique benefits that other pension providers may not offer, including a guaranteed annual pension paid for life, so it is worth taking time to consider any decisions carefully.
There are some conditions for transferring your pension which you can read about here.
What if I want an estimate for retiring?
To see an estimate of the value of your pension, you can use our benefit calculators on My Pension+ which can forecast how your pension looks in different scenarios.
My Pension+ also has a new Retirement Planner tool which shows how much pension is needed for different lifestyles. The Retirement Planner pulls together information to give a total overview of your pension and how retirement looks at different ages with different lump sums. This gives a detailed insight into your pension and the options you have.
Alternatively you can request a benefit estimate from us which may take 6-8 weeks.
I want to take my pension – what should I do?
When you are ready to take your pension, the first step is to speak to your employer about retiring and agree a retirement date. Your employer will then contact the NESPF and we will be in touch with you. For more information visit here.