Business Services Organisation
This Newsletter contains information about:
- Submission of Pension Applications (AW6)
- Continuation of Added Years/Additional Pension/ERRBO Contracts
- Money Helper Pension Information Sessions
- Contact Us
This newsletter can also be downloaded in a printable format here.
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Submission of Pension Applications (AW6)
All pension applications must be submitted to HSC Pension Service at least 6 months in advance of a member’s retirement date. Unfortunately, we continue to notice applications being received with less than 6 months’ notice.
In these circumstances we cannot guarantee that pension benefits will be paid on time resulting in possible financial detriment to the member.
The 6-month lead in time will allow HSC Pension Service to:
a) Review the application for completeness
b) Calculate pensionable pay figures for all relevant schemes including reformed and legacy (McCloud options)
c) Calculate up to 4 possible benefit forecasts for members to consider when making their choice
d) Issue Remediable Service Statement to member’s electronic or home address
e) Provide members with the statutory 3-month period to make and return their choice
f) Monitor, document and record choice statement return
g) Calculate actual benefits based on the choice
h) Put benefits into payment in accordance with Service Level AgreementsHSC Pension Service will continue to reiterate this at Pension Workshops and seminars
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Continuation of Added Years/Additional Pension/ERRBO Contracts
If you pay additional contributions to the HSC Pension Scheme for Added years, Additional Pension Purchase or an ERRBO it is your responsibility to inform your employer should you move posts.
The New Joiner & Re-joiner forms ask for information in relation to these contracts and it is imperative that you provide your Employer with a copy of the contract each time you change posts to ensure the correct contributions are being collected and to avoid an accumulation of arrears.
Note: If you have had a break of more than 12 months you cannot re-start an Added years contract.
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Money Helper Pension Information Sessions
Money Helper is a free government backed service providing financial guidance relating to money and pensions.
Throughout 2026 Money Helper, in collaboration with, HSC Pension Service will be providing a number of information webinars covering various topics. The first will be held on Wednesday 4th March 2026 at 1pm to mark International Women’s Day and will focus on gender inequality and pensions.
According to 2025 figures from the Trade Unions Congress (TUC), retired women have 36.5% less annual income than men – equal to £7,600 a year. Our pension specialists will explain some of the reasons for the gender pensions gap and the steps you can take to help close the gap.
This webinar is suitable for anyone with a pension, to register click here. There will be time for questions.
Below are details of other upcoming sessions, we will share registration details when available.
- Tue 16th June @ 1pm – Why are Pensions Important (younger workers focus)
- Thu 10th Sept @ 1pm – Retirement planning for the Over 50’s
- Wed 5th Nov @ 1pm – Your pension scheme explained
If you have any queries about this Pension Webinar please contact Money Helper on 0800 011 3797.
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Contact Us
By writing to us at:-
HSC Pension Service
Orchard House
40 Foyle Street
Derry/Londonderry
BT48 6ATVia e- mail at: – hscpensions@hscni.net
By Telephone: (10.00am to 12.00pm & 2.00pm to 4.00pm – Monday to Thursday; 10.00am to 12.00pm Friday) on 028 71319111
Find us on X – @hscpensions
Find us on Facebook – HSC Pension Service