Leaving before you retire
If you leave the Scheme before you retire, you can choose what to do with your pension in the Pension Scheme.
If you leave the Scheme before you retire, you can choose what to do with your pension in the Pension Scheme.
On leaving, you have the following options:
You can delay your decision until you know what you would like to do - this is known as a frozen refund. You have a maximum of 5 years after leaving to make your decision.
On leaving, you have two options:
You must have less than 2 years Scheme membership and must not have transferred in benefits from another pension scheme, to get a refund of your contributions.
Only your own contributions are refundable, those paid by your employer are not. There will be deductions to account for tax relief and, if applicable, National Insurance.
Please also explore the further information sections below to learn more about leaving the LGPS and the next steps you should take if you would like to transfer your benefits. Should you wish to keep some money in the Scheme, you will find details about your deferred benefits as well.