NHS Pension: What is the definition of Qualifying Membership

financialmadness

Hi All,

Perhaps this is an easy question, but I am struggling to find a clear answer online. Can someone confirm what it means by "Qualifying Membership" when it comes to NHS Pensions?

For example, you can only apply for a refund on your NHS Pension if you have 2 or fewer Qualifying Membership Years. 

Does this mean Qualifying Years mean:
a. The years where you are enrolled in the scheme
b. Or if you are able to join the scheme but decided not to, and decide to join at a later date. Does the period where you didn't join count towards "Qualifying Membership"

The only definition I could find on the NHS Website was this, which I don't find helpful:
Qualifying membership counts towards determining eligibility to certain benefits.

Many Thanks

Silvertabby

It's the time you were an actual, contributing, member of NHS pensions.

If you have less than 2 years (but more than 3 months, if NHS regs are the same as LGPS) then don't be too quick to grab a refund.  If you do, you'd only get back your own contributions, less tax, and your employer contributions would be forfeit.

Far better to transfer your benefits to your new employer's scheme/private pension.

Note: A transfer to a DC/private  scheme is only possible if you have less than 2 years.  Once you hit 2 years or more, you meet the vesting period for actual pension rights and then can only transfer to another DB scheme (ie, realistically speaking, another public sector scheme).

financialmadness

Silvertabby said:

It's the time you were an actual, contributing, member of NHS pensions.

If you have less than 2 years (but more than 3 months, if NHS regs are the same as LGPS) then don't be too quick to grab a refund.  If you do, you'd only get back your own contributions, less tax, and your employer contributions would be forfeit.

Far better to transfer your benefits to your new employer's scheme/private pension.

Note: A transfer to a DC/private  scheme is only possible if you have less than 2 years.  Once you hit 2 years or more, you meet the vesting period for actual pension rights and then can only transfer to another DB scheme (ie, realistically speaking, another public sector scheme).

Thank you for confirming. Very helpful

OldBeanz

financialmadness said:

Silvertabby said:

It's the time you were an actual, contributing, member of NHS pensions.

If you have less than 2 years (but more than 3 months, if NHS regs are the same as LGPS) then don't be too quick to grab a refund.  If you do, you'd only get back your own contributions, less tax, and your employer contributions would be forfeit.

Far better to transfer your benefits to your new employer's scheme/private pension.

Note: A transfer to a DC/private  scheme is only possible if you have less than 2 years.  Once you hit 2 years or more, you meet the vesting period for actual pension rights and then can only transfer to another DB scheme (ie, realistically speaking, another public sector scheme).

Thank you for confirming. Very helpful

This document would be worth a read https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2018-11/Leaving Early and Transferring Out Guide (V16) - 11.2018.pdf