Firefighters’ Pension Update – Bulletin 23

Automatic Enrolment – October 2025

Automatic enrolment is a government initiative designed to provide eligible members access to a workplace pension.  Under this arrangement, every 3 years NIFRS will automatically re-enrol eligible members into the pension scheme to commence saving for their retirement.

Eligibility criteria

Members will be automatically enrolled if they:-

• are not already member of the NIFRS pension scheme;
• are aged between 22 and pensionable age;
• earn more than a minimum amount a year (£10,000 gross per annum or £833 gross per month or £192 gross per week in 2025-26); and
• work in the UK under a contract of employment.

Pension Scheme Details

Eligible members will be automatically enrolled into the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme Regulations (NI) 2015 also referred to as the CARE (Career Average Revalued Earnings) Scheme.  This is a statutory, defined benefit, career average, public service pension scheme in which benefits are calculated based on a proportion of pay for each year of membership.

Prior to 01 October 2025, all eligible members will receive an auto-enrolment letter outlining their employee pension contribution rate and Frequently Asked Questions factsheet.

Further Information

Additional information on the CARE Scheme can be found on the HSC Pension Service website – Firefighters Pension Scheme NI (2015) CARE | HSC Pension Service

Opting Out and Re-joining

Members who choose to opt out of the CARE Scheme will be required to re-enrol every 3 years, provided they remain eligible.  It is strongly recommended that financial advice is sought before making any decision to opt out.

Members may also choose to join the CARE Pension Scheme at any time, provided you are eligible.  The opting-in form can be accessed via the HSC Pension Service website – Re-Joiner-Form-2.pdf

Note for Support Staff and Regional Command and Control Staff

Automatic enrolment also applies to this cohort of staff from 1 October 2025.  Eligible staff will be enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme (NI), separate guidance will follow. Information on the Local Government Scheme can be found on the NILGOSC website – Joining – NILGOSC