Leaving before you retire
classic plus
What happens to my pension if I leave before I retire?
If you have more than two years’ service (or you have brought in a transfer payment from a personal pension), we will ‘preserve’ your classic plus pension and lump sum and pay them when you reach age 60. You should write to Capita Hartshead to claim your pension about three months before you are 60. This helps us make sure you receive your pension and lump sum promptly on your 60th birthday.
Can I take my pension to my new employer’s scheme?
You may want to transfer your pension to a scheme run by your new employer. If you want to do this, you should discuss it with your new employer. Alternatively, you can transfer your Civil Service pension benefits into a personal pension or stakeholder pension. If you are transferring benefits on standard (non-Club) terms, you may transfer out your benefits at any age provided you have not started the administrative process of claiming your pension.
What if my new employer is a member of the Public Sector Transfer Club?
You must apply to your new employer for a ‘Club’ transfer within 12 months of joining the scheme. We publish a leaflet on the Public Sector Transfer Club, which can be found on the publications page.
When will you start paying my pension?
Most people have a pension age of 60. Pension age is the earliest age at which you can retire and take your pension without it being reduced. If you have a different pension age – for instance if you are a pre-Fresh Start prison officer or you have service in scheduled overseas territories – you will keep this pension age.
