Joining the scheme

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government or working for other employers participating in the Scheme and for councillors . It is heavily subsidised by your employer and is often viewed as one of the most valuable financial rewards of the job.

Membership is normally automatic for most new employees under age 75, unless you are either:

• an employees of an admitted body, where you have to be nominated by your employer.
• or it is clear that the employment is for less than three months

Check your payslip to see if you are paying in and if not, contact your employer to see if you can join.

Do I need to complete any forms?

• If you have already been issued with a pension option/membership form (form PEN1 or PEN1A), it is important that you complete and return this form to your employer. On receipt of your completed form, relevant records will be set up and an official notification of your membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme will be sent to you.
  

If you have not already been provided with a pension option/membership form, you can download and print off the Pension Option/Membership Form, from the Forms page.

• The completed form should be returned to your employer, who will make the necessary arrangements.
• You may also wish to complete a Death Grant Nomination form, which allows you to nominate who or where you would like your death grant to be paid to, which can be downloaded and print off from the Forms page.

For further information, please contact the Pension Office. Contact details can be found on the Contacting us page.