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Joining our scheme

Want to join the pension scheme? Find out how. Most new employees automatically join the scheme when they start employment.

How do I know if I am in the scheme?        

Check your payslip to see if you are paying pension contributions.

If you are not you can download and complete the Pension Membership Form and return it to your employer, who will make the necessary arrangements through your payroll.

You may also wish to complete a Death Grant Nomination Form. This allows you to nominate who or where you would like your lump sum death grant to be paid if you die in service as an LGPS member or as an eligible pensioner.

Am I eligible to join the scheme?       

Membership is normally automatic for most employees under age 75 and with a contract of more than 3 months, if your employer is signed up to the LGPS. Your employer will give you details of the scheme when you are appointed.

More information is available on Workplace pensions.

I am on a casual/relief contract, can I join the scheme?   

Your employer will not make you a member automatically but you can chose to join the scheme by completing the Pension Membership Form.

However, if you join the scheme from 1st April 2014 you will need to have been a contributing member for at least 2 years in order to receive a pension from the scheme. The 2 years contributing membership does not have to be with a single employer.

I am on a fixed term contract, can I join the scheme?           

Yes you can. Your employer may not bring you into the scheme automatically if your contract is for less than 3 months. If you are not brought in automatically you can complete the Pension Membership Form and return it to your employer.

However, if you join the scheme on or after 1st April 2014 you will need to have been a contributing member for at least 2 years in order to receive a pension from the scheme. The 2 years contributing membership can be with more than one LGPS employer.

I work part time, can I join the scheme?       

Yes you can. Your employer should bring you into the scheme automatically.

I have previous LGPS benefits, what options are available to me?

If you are re-joining the LGPS and have previous pension benefits held within the Nottinghamshire Local Government Pension Fund, you have the option to combine that pension to your new pension or keep it separate.
If you wish to transfer pension savings from another scheme, complete the Transferring In Form and return it to your employer.