Changes to the NHS Pension Scheme
These pages describe changes to the NHS Pension Scheme that became effective 1 April 2008. They are written for people familiar with the rules and benefits of the Scheme before 1 April 2008 who want to understand what has changed.
The NHS Pension Scheme became subject to some significant changes on 1 April 2008, while retaining key features like a normal retirement age of 60 and pensions based on final salary.
On the same date a brand new scheme was introduced for members joining for the first time on or after 1 April 2008. The New NHS Pension Scheme has a normal retirement age of 65.
Members of the NHS Pension Scheme (Amended April 2008) will have the opportunity to transfer their pension into this New NHS Pension Scheme for a limited period, planned to run from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010. The New Scheme provides greater flexibility around how and when member take their pension, which may better suit some members' retirement plans.
A printed leaflet with basic information about the changes was provided to NHS employers to circulate with November's pay advice, and this is available in the members’ library, along with other factsheets and guides.
You can read more about some of the specific changes to the Scheme, around contributions, pension commutation, changes to survivor pensions and so on, by using the links opposite, in the left hand menu.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE PAGES MOSTLY DESCRIBE CHANGES TO THE NHS PENSION SCHEME RATHER THAN THE NEW NHS PENSION SCHEME.
You can use this link if you wish to look at a copy of the full agreement between NHS Employers and the NHS trades unions