Benefits of the pension scheme

The LGPS is one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK. The LGPS is a salary-related, defined benefit scheme and will not be affected by stock market changes or performance of investments.

Key benefits include:

• A secure pension – worked out every scheme year and added to your pension account. Your pension account is revalued each year to allow for inflation and to keep up with the cost of living

• Tax-free cash – you have the option when you draw your pension to exchange part of it for some tax-free lump sum cash. 

• Peace of mind – your family enjoys financial security, with immediate life cover and a pension for your spouse, civil partner or eligible cohabiting partner and eligible children in the event of your death in service and, if you ever become seriously ill and you've  been in the scheme for 2 years, you could receive immediate ill health benefits. See the 'Protection for your family' tab

• Freedom to choose when to take your pension – you do not need to have reached your Normal Pension Age in order to take your pension as, once you've been in the scheme for 2 years, you can choose to retire and draw your pension at any time from ages 55 - 75 (these may be reduced if paid earlier than your Normal Pension Age, or increased if paid after).
  

• Flexibility to pay more or less contributions – you have the option in the LGPS to pay half your normal contributions in return for half your normal pension. This is known as the 50/50 section of the scheme and is designed to help members stay in the scheme when times are financially tough. You can also boost your pension by paying more contributions, which you would get tax relief on.