On applying to join the scheme, potential members should be notified that the scheme benefits are calculated in complete years and complete months..
A completed application form must be sent to The Pensions Trust, if possible prior to the date of joining
the Scheme.
Please check that all appropriate sections have been completed and that the form has been signed both by the employee and on behalf of the employer.
Part-time employees may join the Scheme. Please ensure that the full-time equivalent to the part-time hours are noted on the application form for a part time employee.
The Lump Sum Death Benefit and pension Nomination Form, if applicable, should be completed so as to avoid unnecessary delays in the payment of benefits in the event of death in service. To download the Lump Sum Death Benefit and pension Nomination Form Click Here.
The scheme automatically provides for a survivor’s pension and children's pension where applicable. Members may defer nominating who they wish to receive the survivor’s pension when they first join, or alternatively make changes to their nominee at a later date, subject to the scheme rules.
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Once the application form has been processed, a Membership Certificate will
be prepared by The Pensions Trust and sent direct to the member. You will be notified of the member’s membership number and contribution rate. Please quote this number in any future correspondence. Contributions in respect of the member should not be deducted and sent to The Pensions Trust until you have received confirmation of his/her scheme membership.
It is a requirement to give basic legal information about your pension arrangements. Members will receive a copy of the member booklet containing the information when they have joined the Scheme. If a member requires a
copy prior to joining click here.
Prompt submission of application form
An employee will not be classed as a member of the scheme until a completed application form, signed by both the employer and the employee,
has been received by The Pensions Trust. Application forms for existing employees should be sent to The Pensions Trust before the proposed
date of joining the scheme.
It is extremely important that these application procedures are followed. If this is not the case and an employee dies shortly after the expected
date of joining, there could be complications with the payment of benefits.
Can an employee transfer pension benefits into the SHPS?
Transfers of pension benefits from other schemes are allowed subject to various criteria. Employers should advise staff that the process can take a considerable amount of time, and should allow three months before contacting The Pensions Trust on the progress of the potential transfer.
For more information, please refer to our Employer Administration Guide, click here.
Do I need to complete an application form if the employee is claiming continuous service within the Scheme ?
For more information, please refer to our Employer Administration Guide, click here.
Can I backdate membership?
For more information, please refer to our Employer Administration Guide, click here.
What is the cost to an employee?
The contribution rate for a member in the Social Housing Pension Scheme is determined by the employer.
Many employees do not join the Scheme because they think that it might be too expensive. The main reason for this is that they do not take account of the savings due to tax relief and National Insurance. To assist you in providing help
for your members we have developed a cost calculator.
Click here for the Pension Calculator.
For more information, please refer to our Employer Administration Guide, click here.
Are there any special rules for late entrants?
Should an employee apply to join the scheme more than one year from first becoming eligible to do so, they must have completed three months' continuous service without absence due to illness or injury, immediately prior to the date from which they wish to join.
Can I set up a new member over the telephone?
The Pension Trust operates a system for telephone enrolments. For full details click here.
For more information, please refer to our Employer Administration Guide, click here.