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 the 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 intend to claim your Deferred pension, you will be required to give notice to release your pension benefits. The notice period required to claim Deferred Benefits are detailed in the table below:
| 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 | No notice required from member. Member written to automatically within three months of Normal Pension Age | Unable to defer beyond NPA |
|
1 April 1998 onwards
|
Three months notice | No notice required from member. Member written to automatically within three months of Normal Pension Age | Three months notice |
If you are claiming your pension at your Normal Pension Age (NPA) we do not require a separate period of notice from you to receive your pension. We will write to you approximately two months in advance of your NPA providing you with your pension options.
Deferred members MUST give written notice by email or by post. We can accept your written notice by email info@berkshirepensions.org.uk
*Please note if you left the LGPS before 1 April 1998 you are unable to defer payment of your Deferred pension beyond your Normal Pension Age.