The simplest way to begin the process is by logging on to our online Member Self Service (MSS) Engage portal. There you can check and update your personal details and produce an estimate of the benefits payable.
If you have not yet registered for MSS Engage, please visit our registration page. Additional information, including guidance on how to complete your registration, can be found on our MSS Engage page.
If you have any difficulties with MSS Engage please contact us via the MSS Engage portal or through our website contact us form.
When can I take my benefits?
Providing you are no longer employed in the role, the total benefits become payable at the date quoted on your record, which is the earliest date you can retire with no reduction to your benefits. This is also confirmed on your personal benefit statements each year under ‘Normal Pension Age/Date’.
You may choose to take your benefits earlier, from age 55 onwards, but they will be reduced for early payment. You can explore these options and view estimated figures, including any reductions, via the MSS Engage Portal.
Fastest way to claim your Deferred Pension
The quickest way to claim your pension is to use the online calculation and request process via MSS Engage. This can be done for any date up to three months in advance.
Follow these steps:
- Log in to MSS Engage.
- Click on ‘Benefit Calculators’.
- Select ‘Explore additional calculators’.
- At the bottom of the Benefit Projector box, choose ‘Deferred Pension Payment’ (bottom right).
- Enter your intended retirement date (the default is today’s date).
- Click ‘Re-calculate’.
- Use the sliders to select your benefit options.
- Scroll down and click ‘I would like to request payment of my pension’.
- Follow the remaining steps to complete your request.
Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email and a list of tasks to complete on MSS, including:
- Declaring other pension benefits
- Uploading ID documents
- Confirming your bank details
When will I receive payment?
When we receive your completed pension forms, payment of any lump sum due (excluding trivial commutation) will be arranged by BACS direct to your nominated bank/building society account within 10 working days, or in line with your retirement date if later. Please note BACS payments can take 3 to 5 working days to show in your account.
Payment of your pension will be made on the last working day of each month. The first month’s payment will include any arrears due to you or adjustments for part of the month. We will provide you with a letter detailing the breakdown of payments.
After the first pension payment you will only receive a pay advice when your net monthly pension differs by more than £1 from the previous month’s amount. However, you will always receive a pay advice and P60 each April.
Overseas Payments
It is possible to pay your pension in to most overseas bank accounts. Please contact the pensioner payroll team for more details and to request the appropriate form.
Cost of living increase (Pensions Increase)
Each April your pension will increase in line with any cost of living increases that have accrued, and you will be notified of the relevant increase by the end of April.