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. 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 | 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 if you left the LGPS before 1 April 1998 you are unable to defer payment of your Deferred pension beyond your Normal Pension Age.