If you left the LGPS on or after 1 April 1998
Overview
Your deferred benefits are payable in full from your normal pension age (NPA) in the LGPS. You don’t have to take your deferred benefits at your NPA, you can take them at any time between age 55 and 75. If you were a member of the LGPS before and after 1 April 2014, the benefits built up before 1 April 2014 will have a protected NPA – usually age 65.
The Government has announced the earliest age that you can take your deferred pension will increase from age 55 to 57 from 6 April 2028. This won’t apply to ill health retirements.
Choosing to take your deferred benefits early
You can choose to take your deferred benefits from age 55 onwards. You don’t need your former employer’s consent to take your pension early. See the section on Taking your pension early to find out about how your benefits will be reduced.
If you were a member of the LGPS at any time between 1 April 1998 and 30 September 2006, some or all of your benefits could be paid in full before age 65 if you’re protected by the 85-year rule.
Taking your deferred benefits from your normal pension age
If you don’t take your deferred benefits early, they will normally be paid from your NPA. You can choose to delay payment beyond that age.
If you take your deferred benefits after your NPA, they’ll be increased. You must take your deferred benefits by age 75.
If you’ve a guaranteed minimum pension, it may not always be possible to delay payment of your whole pension.
Taking your deferred pension if you’re too ill to work
If you’re too ill to work, you can ask for your deferred pension to be paid immediately, whatever your age.
Your former employer will need to consider if you’re permanently unable to do your old job because of your ill health. If you left the LGPS after 31 March 2008, they’d also need to consider if you’re able to undertake any gainful employment in the next three years.
Gainful employment is paid employment of at least 30 hours per week that lasts for a year or more.
If your application is successful, your deferred benefits would be paid to you immediately. Your benefits would not be reduced for early payment.
