How do I claim my pension?

Claiming your Deferred Pension Benefits

Table of Contents

How do I claim my pension?

From age 55 if the employment under which your benefits were built up has ended you can at any time request to receive payment of your pension. 

If you are claiming your pension earlier than your Normal Pension Age (NPA) the benefits will be reduced to reflect their early payment, although your former scheme employer does have discretion to waive this reduction at their cost should you make such a request for their consideration.  

If you are claiming your pension from your Normal Pension Age your benefits will be paid without reduction. 

Please note: if you hold a deferred benefit because you previously opted out of the LGPS you must have ceased your Local Government employment before we can release your pension benefits.

Notice Period Requirements

If you are intending to claim your Deferred pension please refer to the table below which displays the notice period required to release your pension benefits: 
 

Notice period required to claim Deferred Benefits

Date member became Deferred

Payment of deferred benefits before NPA

Payment of deferred benefits at NPA

Payment of deferred benefits after NPA

*Pre 1 April 1998

Three months notice

Unable to defer beyond NPA

Pre 1 April 2008

Three months notice

A report is generated every month to identify Deferred members who are within three months of their NPA or are approaching 75. These members will be written to automatically.

Three months notice

Pre 1 April 2014

Three months notice

Three months notice

Post 1 April 2014

Three months notice

Three months notice

Deferred members MUST give written notice by e-mail or by post. We can accept your written notice by e-mail info@berkshirepensions.org.uk 

*Please note it you left the LGPS before 1 April 1998 you are unable to defer payment of your Deferred pension beyond your Normal Pension Age.