sppa.gov.uk NHS Superannuation Scheme United Kingdom : Scottish Public Pensions Agency

Name of the Organization : Scottish Public Pensions Agency
Type of Facility : NHS Superannuation Scheme
Country : United Kingdom

Website : https://pensions.gov.scot/nhs

NHS Superannuation Scheme :

Joining the NHS Superannuation Scheme : (Scotland)
** As an employee of the National Health Service in Scotland, your employer has automatically included you in the National Health Service Superannuation Scheme (Scotland) (NHSSS(S)).

Related : Scottish Public Agency Teachers’ Pension Scheme : www.statusin.org/9261.html

** The NHSSS(S) is a defined benefit scheme and an important and valuable staff benefit for people working in the health service.
** Being a member of the NHSSS(S) is one of the ways in which you can prepare financially for your retirement.
** Both you and your employer (who makes a substantial payment) contribute towards the cost of your pension.
** All deductions are subject to tax relief and are taken monthly or weekly, depending on your pay frequency, direct from your salary by your payroll department.
** These contributions are submitted to SPPA.
** Your employer should provide you with a copy of the NHSSS(S) Members Guide.
** If, after reading the information, you decide that you do not wish to be a member of the scheme, you can opt out by completing an Opt Out form.

** You should note that after the introduction of the statutory Automatic Enrolment provisions, if you opt out of the scheme your employer will automatically re-enrol you back into the scheme every three years.

Before opting out, you should note the benefits available to you as a member of the scheme :
** When you have built up two years membership, you will become entitled to an index linked pension at normal pension age which guarantees a regular monthly income after you retire.
** If you were a member of the scheme prior to 1st April 2008, you will automatically receive a lump sum and also have the option to exchange some of your pension to increase your lump sum.
** If you joined the scheme after 1st April 2008, there is no automatic lump sum, but you have the option to exchange part of your pension for a tax free lump sum.
** On joining, you may be able to transfer in pension credit from another scheme (this must be done within 12 months of joining the scheme).
** You will have the option to purchase additional pension benefits by paying extra contributions which can be deducted along with your regular contributions or paid as a lump sum.

** If you become too ill to work, you may apply to receive your pension early and could receive benefits based on the service accrued to ill health retirement or, if found to be permanently incapable of working, you would receive enhanced benefits.

** Should you die before retirement and are still in NHS employment, a death grant of two times pensionable pay will be paid to your legal spouse, registered civil partner or nominated beneficiary.
** You have the facility to nominate who you would like any lump sum or pension payable to go to in the event of your death.
** You can provide benefits for your family and other dependants after you retire or if you die before retirement.

** If you leave NHS employment before you retire, there are options available to you such as transferring to another scheme, preserving the benefits built up until your normal pension age or receiving a refund of your contributions if you have less than two years membership.

** You can also choose to top up your pension with Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) from our recommended in house provider, Standard Life.
** Details about transferring in and out, purchasing additional pension, nominating for death benefits and more can be obtained from this website.

What do I pay?
** coinsAs a scheme member you pay a contribution towards your pension based upon your pensionable pay.
** Your NHS Employer also pays a contribution.
** Member Contribution rates range from 5.2% for the lowest earners to 14.7% for the highest earners.
** The thresholds at which the rates change are linked to nationally agreed pay rates at set levels.

Your employer contributes an amount equal to 14.9% of your pensionable pay.

Benefits :
** Access to the NHS Injury Benefits Scheme closes on 31st March 2038. No new injury benefit applications will be accepted by SPPA on or after this date.
** Injury benefit applications received by 30th March 2018 only, for an injury or disease occurring on or before 30th March 2013 will be processed.

** Injury benefit applications received by 30th March 2038 only, will be processed for applicants who can provide evidence there has been a delayed onset of their symptoms, such that an application was not previously necessary before 30th March 2018.

Alternatively you can contact us on 01896 893 000 or by writing to :
Scottish Public Pensions Agency
7 Tweedside Park
Tweedbank
Galashiels
TD1 3TE