1. Local Government Pension Scheme
Pre Retirement Course
Local Government Pension Scheme

2. Local Government Pension Scheme
All types of retirement including flexible retirement are calculated in the same way
Any queries regarding the grounds for your retirement must be referred to your employer

3. When can I retire?
Normal Pension Age (NPA) – previously 65, now the higher of 65 or new state pension age
Voluntary retirement – possible from age 55 without employers consent but may be subject to reductions if before NPA
Permanent ill health – any age

4. What LGPS benefits are payable?
Annual Pension (payable for life)
For membership up to 31 March 2008
1/80 x scheme membership x final pay
For membership between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2014
1/60 x scheme membership x final pay
For membership from 1 April /49 of pensionable pay is credited to your pension account each year

5. What LGPS benefits are payable?
Lump sum retiring allowance
For membership up to 31 March x annual pension
For membership from 1 April 2008 no automatic lump sum but can exchange part of the pension to provide a tax free lump sum. For every £1 pension given up an additional £12 lump sum will be provided. Certain restrictions will apply
You must elect to convert before your last day of service otherwise you may not be allowed to convert

6. Can I request an estimate?
If you are retiring with immediate payment of your benefits you need to request an estimate
Requests must be made directly to your employer
An estimate can be provided up to 6 months before your date of retirement
Only one estimate can be requested per year
Any AVC options will be provided with your estimate
Processed up to 20 working days from receipt of employers request

7. How will my benefits be paid?
Complete Retirement Declaration form giving instructions to your employer
Lump sum will be processed within 20 working days of receipt of all the information from your employer. It will be paid to your bank account or building society account
Pension paid monthly in arrears on last working day of month paid to your bank/building society account
Payslip only sent if pension differs by £3 or more from previous month or tax code change

8. What about Income Tax?
Lump sum from pension fund is tax free providing you do not exceed your Lifetime Allowance. Any non fund lump sums, i.e. Redundancy payments greater than £30,000 excess is taxable
Pension is income and will have tax code applied
Any queries to tax office in Liverpool

9. How is my pension increased?
Her Majesty’s Treasury agrees the percentage of pensions increase in April each year in line with Pensions Increase legislation
If on pension for less than a year increase will be pro rata

10. What benefits are payable when I die?
Spouses and civil partners are entitled to benefits – these are payable for life even if they remarry or cohabit
For those members with service on or after 1 April 2008 eligible cohabiting partners are entitled to a survivor’s pension providing certain criteria have been met
A lump sum death grant may be payable after retirement depending on individual circumstances
Dependent children’s pensions – may be payable

11. Other options available
It is possible to remain in employment beyond the normal pension age and continue paying into the pension scheme until age 75
You may become re-employed and rejoin the pension scheme
If you voluntarily retire you can defer your benefits until age 75

12. Contact us Our email address is pensions@kent.gov.uk
Please note that the contact telephone number for the Pension Section is
Our address is
Our website address is