NHS Pension Scheme Special Classes

smartn

My wife currently has about 15 years qualifying service and qualifies for special classes membership of the pension scheme so should be able to start her pension from age 55. She is currently 45. The only thing I'm not sure about is, if she were to leave NHS employment and stop contributing I accept she would not gain any more pensionable service but would she still be able to draw pension from age 55.

xylophone

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Pensions/Documents/Pensions/Special_Class_Status_Member_FAQs.pdf

"What is my normal retirement age as I left the NHS Pension Scheme with
special class status and had my NHS pension deferred?
A. As you have left the NHS Pension Scheme and your benefits have been deferred your
normal retirement age is 60. If you were made redundant before age 50 and you do
not return to NHS employment you may claim your deferred benefits at age 55 as long
as you have completed your last 5 years membership as a member of the special
classes.
* 70 if on or before 31 March 2008 "

Relevant to her if she leaves with a deferred pension?

smartn

xylophone wrote: »

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Pensions/Documents/Pensions/Special_Class_Status_Member_FAQs.pdf

"What is my normal retirement age as I left the NHS Pension Scheme with
special class status and had my NHS pension deferred?
A. As you have left the NHS Pension Scheme and your benefits have been deferred your
normal retirement age is 60. If you were made redundant before age 50 and you do
not return to NHS employment you may claim your deferred benefits at age 55 as long
as you have completed your last 5 years membership as a member of the special
classes.
* 70 if on or before 31 March 2008 "

Relevant to her if she leaves with a deferred pension?

Thanks for that, looks like she will have to stay NHS nursing until 55 then!

Spirit_2

smartn wrote: »

My wife currently has about 15 years qualifying service and qualifies for special classes membership of the pension scheme so should be able to start her pension from age 55. She is currently 45. The only thing I'm not sure about is, if she were to leave NHS employment and stop contributing I accept she would not gain any more pensionable service but would she still be able to draw pension from age 55.

She may want to check the special classes conditions as 15 years of service from now counting backwards is 1998. Access to special classes ended in March 1995. (It may be that she has many more years of aggregate service that were part time - but just to check).

kazanddek

Been with nhs pension for 30 years, looking to taking my pension now aged 51 due to being taken over by a private company!
I've got special class status 1995 so could retire at 55
Not sure what to do? Take the pension now or defer till I'm 60?
My best option is to continue with the NHS till I'm 55, but what option do I have if I'm being taken over by a private sector provision ?
Any advice please would be welcome:(

smartn

Spirit wrote: »

She may want to check the special classes conditions as 15 years of service from now counting backwards is 1998. Access to special classes ended in March 1995. (It may be that she has many more years of aggregate service that were part time - but just to check).

She has been in the NHS and has continual service from well before 1995 but much has been part time.

smartn

kazanddek wrote: »

Been with nhs pension for 30 years, looking to taking my pension now aged 51 due to being taken over by a private company!
I've got special class status 1995 so could retire at 55
Not sure what to do? Take the pension now or defer till I'm 60?
My best option is to continue with the NHS till I'm 55, but what option do I have if I'm being taken over by a private sector provision ?
Any advice please would be welcome:(

Can't help on this one but it does sound rather harsh. Is there any official helpline for NHS pensions?

jackyann

Yes: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions

There are a lot of rules about taking special classes pensions. It is of course, straightforward if you joined to NHS before 1995, paid into the pension and work as a midwife, nurse, health visitor or mental health officer until you are 55. But taking breaks, leaving your pension in but not contributing etc. all cause issues.
Usually when private companies take over NHS staff there are specific clauses about pensions and their protection. You are usually informed well in advance, with a chance for your union to negotiate. I have been aware of special classes being "frozen" so they can be taken at 55 but it all depends.
Your union may be a good starting point; but I found the NHS pensions agency extremely helpful.
Good luck to all those invoved - there was a reason they thought we would need our pensions at 55!

peterg1965

kazanddek wrote: »

Been with nhs pension for 30 years, looking to taking my pension now aged 51 due to being taken over by a private company!
I've got special class status 1995 so could retire at 55
Not sure what to do? Take the pension now or defer till I'm 60?
My best option is to continue with the NHS till I'm 55, but what option do I have if I'm being taken over by a private sector provision ?
Any advice please would be welcome:(

You can retire now under the early retirement provision, but your pension will be abated. Have you asked the RCN for help and advice?