NHS Pension

toothdoctor

The 1995 scheme has a normal pension age (NPA) of 60.
The 2008 scheme has a NPA of 65 and the 2015 NPA is aligned with state pension age.
 You can take your pension earlier than this but will be subject to a % reduction depending on how many years before NPA you take the pension

ButterCheese

Thanks everyone.  I was aware that I'd be drawing much less if I retired (from the NHS) early, so all the links and explanations have been really helpful.  I have also completed a form with my details to send off to the pensions query people, it might take 3 months for a reply but I'm in no rush.  Yes things can change in the future and I shouldn't rely on my inheritance, as this might be needed for parents' care.  I am only thinking now that I do not want to be sat in front of a laptop for 40 hours a week until I'm 68 (it's all I'm qualified to do), so would be nice to leave the NHS and get a more fulfilling job even at lower pay. 

GrubbyGirl_2

ButterCheese said:

Thanks everyone.  I was aware that I'd be drawing much less if I retired (from the NHS) early, so all the links and explanations have been really helpful.  I have also completed a form with my details to send off to the pensions query people, it might take 3 months for a reply but I'm in no rush.  Yes things can change in the future and I shouldn't rely on my inheritance, as this might be needed for parents' care.  I am only thinking now that I do not want to be sat in front of a laptop for 40 hours a week until I'm 68 (it's all I'm qualified to do), so would be nice to leave the NHS and get a more fulfilling job even at lower pay. 

What’s your definition of a fulfilling job? Remember the NHS is the biggest employer in the UK with many different organisations and roles. If you’re not happy what you’re doing now look at what other roles the NHS can offer. In my experience it’s much easier to change roles within the NHS than you probably think and yes you may have to shift down a grade but if you love it you’ll climb up the ladder. 

I started in the NHS as a nursing auxiliary (now called a care assistant) because I was desperate for a job and it was the choice of that or a bar job. I started on the lowest salary (same as the ward cleaner and probably equivalent to band2 today) but I loved it so much I went in to get 2 qualifications in nursing (adults and children) did a masters in medical law and retired 42 years later on the top of band 9. 

You can do what you want and be what you want. Get onto NHS jobs and see what’s going. And keep your gold standard pension!!