Firefighters’ Pension Update – Bulletin 27

Update on Modified Pension Scheme – Matthews Second Options Exercise

The Pensions Department has commenced issuing Option Packs to eligible members as part of the Matthews Second Options Exercise, from end of October 2025.

We had anticipated having options packs issued to all those who had expressed an interest by the end of March 2026.  Unfortunately, due to the numerous scenarios and complexities that can apply to individuals, this process has taken longer than expected.  We are also experiencing a high level of calls from members who are in receipt of their option packs and setting up payments.

We appreciate that members are keen to receive their Option Packs at the earliest opportunity and we will endeavour to get all options packs issued as early as possible.  Some employees have started to contact us when they become aware that their colleagues have received their option packs.

Please note we are adhering to our published priority list, were possible.

The priority order can be viewed here: Matthews (Second Options Exercise) | HSC Pension Service

We are currently working on the following cohorts:-

• Any employees who never joined a pension scheme aged over 55;
• Current employees in a pension scheme under age 55; and
• Any employees who never joined a scheme aged under 55.

It should be noted that some cases have required forwarding to Government Actuaries Department (GAD) for calculation. This affects members who have higher tier ill health pensions, retrospective ill health awards, members who paid higher rate or no tax and any case that fails when data is input into the calculator.  These option packs will be released as and when GAD produce the calculations for us.

We are awaiting amendments to the current regulations that will permit Deferred Members (anyone who left employment prior to normal retirement age) to convert NFPS Standard membership to Special (Modified) membership and provide additional provisions for beneficiaries of employees who have died without making and election.  Members who fall into these categories are being held until the amending regulations are made.  It is anticipated that the amending regulations will be made and laid over the next 3 months.

We kindly ask that eligible members awaiting their Option Packs remain patient and refrain from contacting the Pensions Department at this stage, as this is impacting the resource within the team.  Members will be contacted as soon as their option packs are available.