Opting Out

Leaving the Scheme

Table of Contents

Opting Out

You may elect to opt-out of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) at any time. If you have at least 2 years membership of the Scheme (including any former pension rights transferred into the LGPS), you will be entitled to a pension benefit and will not be able to have a refund of the contributions you have paid. 

If you have less than 2 years membership of the Scheme (providing you have no previous LGPS benefits held elsewhere and you are under State Pension Age), you will be entitled to a refund of the contributions you have paid (minus a statutory 20% tax deduction). Please note we are unable to refund employer contributions.

You are able to opt back in to the LGPS in the future so long as you remain in eligible Local Government employment.

Before opting out please take a minute to understand the main benefits of being a Scheme member. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a very important benefit. Not only will it provide you with an inflation-proofed income in retirement, payable for life, but it also gives your loved ones financial security in the event of your death or long-term ill-health.

As an alternative to opting out of the LGPS you may wish to consider contributing to the 50/50 Section of the LGPS. By entering into the 50/50 Section of the LGPS you pay half your normal pension contribution rate to build up half the pension. You also retain full life cover and ill-health retirement cover within the Scheme. To find out more please visit the 50/50 Section of our website. You may wish to obtain independent financial advice before you make a decision to opt-out of the LGPS.

Please note we are unable to accept electronically signed opt-out forms, please ensure you have signed your form in ink.

Please note you will be taken out of the Scheme from the next available pay date following receipt of a signed election form. 

Please return your completed opt-out form to your Payroll Department