Introduction

This section gives you information about your pension benefits if you retired after the 31st March 2008 and will include answers to some of the questions you may have, such as, is my pension increased every year and when will my pension be paid.

What is a pension benefit?

A pension benefit consists of:

• an annual pension payable throughout your retirement
• a one off tax-free lump sum in respect of your pensionable service up to the 31st March 2008
• the option to receive a tax-free lump sum in respect of your pensionable service from the 1st April 2008.

Your pension will receive cost of living increases every year, although special rules may apply to your pension benefits are in payment before age 55 if you retire before the 30th March 2008.

Are my pension benefits increased every year?

To protect their value your pension is increased in line with the Retail Prices Index which measures price inflation. These increases are not limited to a maximum percentage per annum as in many other occupational pension schemes.

What will happen to my pension benefits if I die after retirement?

If you die after retirement in the LGPS, the following benefits are payable:

• A lump sum death grant – a post retirement death grant is payable which is equal to ten years pension, less any pension already paid, if you die under the age of 75.
• An ongoing pension for your husband, wife, civil partner or nominated cohabiting partner , which will increase every year in line with the cost of living. In most cases, this pension is payable for the rest of their life.
• Children’s pensions for your eligible children – these increase every year in line with the cost of living and are payable to eligible children.

It is important that you let us know if you change address so we know how to keep in touch with you. Full details of how to notify us of a change of address can be found on the change of address page