1995 NHS pension claim declined

Tigersjuju

My application for partial retirement (31/03/25) was declined.
Prior to submitting my claim, I received assurances from the Pensions Team that I fit the eligibility criteria. I communicated my circumstances and plans to them. My decision to take partial retirement and reduce my hours was to care for my husband, who has complex medical needs. However, the day after submission, they received an email from NHS pensions informing them that I did not fit the eligibility criteria.  
I've reduced my working hours by 7.5 hours (01/04/25)
This has left me in a financially challenging position.

I understand that I cannot appeal the decision made by NHS Pensions. However, I was NOT made aware of the specific clause stating that: 'Since I left the 1995 service on 26/08/1995, I cannot claim my deferred and decoupled 1995 service on Partial Retirement. This must be a normal claim. Additionally, I am ineligible to claim early payment of deferred pension benefits because I left before 31/03/2000'.

My current situation has arisen due to the Pension Team's guidance. I completed the necessary paperwork and returned it two weeks before my pension start date. They informed me that following submission, I would not receive my pension for four months and mentioned there would be a small penalty for drawing my pension before the age of 60, which I was aware of. 

I would greatly appreciate any advice or assistance anyone can offer me.

I am currently waiting for further advice from my Union.

Moonwolf

Unfortunately, since you left the scheme before 2006, some of the new rules don’t come into play.

I hit the same issue. I cannot claim my deferred 1995 pension until I am 60, I’ll have to wait 9 more months. I thought I was pretty switched on but I missed that rule and nor did the pensions officer in my organisation.

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do, as the scheme rules win.

Marcon

Tigersjuju said:

My application for partial retirement (31/03/25) was declined.
Prior to submitting my claim, I received assurances from the Pensions Team that I fit the eligibility criteria. I communicated my circumstances and plans to them. My decision to take partial retirement and reduce my hours was to care for my husband, who has complex medical needs. However, the day after submission, they received an email from NHS pensions informing them that I did not fit the eligibility criteria.  
I've reduced my working hours by 7.5 hours (01/04/25)
This has left me in a financially challenging position.

Have you explained the position to your employer and discussed the possibility of increasing your hours?

Tigersjuju

Many thanks for your response Moonwolf. I will have to grin and bear it for another 16 months! Good luck with your retirement   
Macron, I have no intention of reinstating my hours, as I need to care for my husband.
The Union did return to ask if I wanted my hours back