Can I Join
Anyone who is aged between 16 and 64, employed by a member organisation and is offered membership by their employer is entitled to join the Scheme.
To view the Employee Application Form, click here.
Can I defer joining?
If you do not join the Scheme within one year of becoming eligible, you may be allowed to join later if your employer and the Committee agree. You will have to provide evidence of good health.
Can I transfer benefits into the Scheme?
Transfers of pension benefits from other schemes are allowed only into the defined contribution benefit structure of the Scheme (when it becomes available from 1 October 2010) and are subject to various criteria set by the Trustee. The process can take a considerable amount of time, and you should allow three months before contacting The Pensions Trust on the progress of the potential transfer. The Scheme is no longer accepting transfers into any of the defined benefit structures of the Scheme.
What happens if I leave the Scheme?
You must leave the Scheme if you change jobs unless you go to another employer who offers the Scheme. You can also leave the Scheme if you wish even if you continue to work for the same employer.
In both cases, you can choose to:
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have a deferred pension if you are in a final salary or CARE benefit structure or have more than two years service;
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transfer your benefits to another scheme; or
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take a refund of any contributions you have made (only available if you have been a member for less than two years).
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