Local Government Pension

jacquij123

Hello,
When I started working at a school just over two years ago I decided not to particiapte in the pension scheme. I had to sign forms and got a refund of the few months contributions I had paid until they cancelled it.
My circumstance have changed now and I would like to rejoin the scheme. Does anyone know if this is possible? The bursar at school is not the most helpful so I would rather know if I am allowed to rejoin before approaching her.
Thanks in advance to anyone who is able to help.

mazza_2

Hi, the LGPS website has the following


You can re-join the LGPS, unless you have opted out of the LGPS before, when you can only re-join if your employer or council allows you to or re-join within 3 months of starting work with a new employer in the LGPS or, for councillors, within 3 months of commencing as an eligible councillor with a new council. [/I]


Its a good pension scheme, even with what's happening at the moment so I would ask your employer about rejoining

MrChips

Most pension schemes impose conditions like this where if you don't join at your first opportunity, you can only join later with permission.

The main reason for this is to prevent people who are subsequently diagnosed with reduced life expectancy selecting against the scheme by joining just to get free (or substantially reduced) life insurance or death benefits when they are diagnosed with, say, cancer. So you may find that they agree to let you join, subject to a health questionnaire, or a letter from your GP.