You will need to obtain a quote for the cost of buying back lost pension due to absence through an Additional Pension Contribution (APC).
The quote calculator is available on the national LGPS website - APC quote calculator
Absences are categorised as follows:
- Sick Leave
- Maternity, paternity or adoption leave
- APCs on maternity, paternity or adoption leave
- Strike days
- Unpaid leave
- Reserve forces leave
Sick Leave
Your benefits are assessed on your pay in the 3 months before your pay dropped, this is called your Assumed Pensionable Pay (APP).
Employer’s contribution is payable throughout the absence period based on the APP.
Maternity, paternity or adoption leave
Your benefits are based on your APP.
Employer’s contribution is payable throughout the absence period based on the APP.
If you are in the 50/50 scheme your contributions will be moved to the Main scheme.
APCs on maternity, paternity or adoption leave
If you opt to pay an APC (Additional Pension Contributions) to cover the no pay period of your absence, the calculation will be based on your APP.
Your employer will share the cost of the APC if you complete the option form within 30 days of returning to work (1/3rd employee/ 2/3rds employer). This can be extended if your employer allows.
Strike days
You can opt to pay APCs if you wish to make up the loss of pension due to strike days.
Employers do not contribute.
For more detailed information please see the LGPS Member website
Unpaid leave
You can opt to pay APCs based on your APP.
Your employer will share the cost of the APC if you complete the option form within 30 days of returning to work (1/3rd employee/ 2/3rds employer). This can be extended if your employer allows.
Reserve Forces Leave
The MoD will deduct contributions from your reservist pay – you will need to work with your employer to inform the MoD of the amount you need to pay.
Your contributions will be based on your normal pay (not your reservist pay).
