Section 9: Benefits – HSC Pension Service

It is appreciated that the benefits of the scheme can be complicated, depending on the circumstances of the member. However, we have tried to provide comprehensive details within this chapter. If there are any issues that need clarification, please contact HSC Pension Service for assistance.

The benefits payable to scheme members are detailed in this section of the Employers Guide. Whilst the benefits are the same, the eligibility and the calculation of the benefits differ between the 1995 section and the 2008 section and the 2015 Scheme.

9.1 Age Retirement

9.1.1 Arrangements for members of the 1995 section

Members of the 1995 section are entitled to receive payment of their benefits at normal retirement age (NPA) of 60 without reduction. The NPA of 60 is not a mandatory age for retirement – members can continue in pensionable employment and claim their benefits on eventual retirement subject to scheme age limits.

There are exceptions to the NPA of 60 for members who hold special class status and Mental Health Officers (MHO) who, provided that they meet the required criteria can receive payment of their benefits without reduction from age 55.

9.1.2 Benefits Payable

Annual pension equal to 1/80th of the member’s pensionable pay at retirement for each year of service. (The pensionable pay would be the best pensionable pay from within the last 3 years up to retirement).

Lump sum retiring allowance equal to 3 times the value of the annual pension.

However, men with membership prior to 25th March 1972 who are, or have been married and did not take up the option to purchase an unreduced lump for membership prior to this date will only receive 1 times the value of annual pension for service prior to this date.

It should also be noted that some members may have consented to have outstanding contributions deducted from their lump sum retiring allowance. This will reduce the lump sum allowance paid on retirement.

In addition HMRC restrictions can apply to payment of a lump sum where a member has reached age 75. Further information on this can be provided by contacting HSC Pension Service.

9.1.3 Lump Sum Choice (Commutation)

The regulations were amended from 1st April 2008 to allow members in pensionable employment on or after that date the option to give up part of their annual pension in order to receive a larger retirement lump sum payment. The maximum that a member can give up is 25% of the capital value of pension. This limit is set by HMRC. In turn the member will receive £12 for every £1 pension. A calculator for conversion is available on the HSC Pension Service website.

9.1.4 Effect on re-employment within the HSC after age retirement

Payment of retirement benefits may be affected if a member of the 1995 section becomes re- employed after taking payment of their retirement benefits. Further information is contained within Section 3.2 of this guide.

9.1.5 Application for payment of age retirement benefits

When a member wishes to retire their employer should provide them with form AW6, Application for Scheme Retirement Benefits.

9.1.6 Arrangements for members of the 2008 section

Members of the 2008 section are entitled to receive payment of their benefits at normal retirement age (NPA) of 65 without reduction. The NPA of 65 is not a mandatory age for retirement – members can continue in pensionable employment and claim their benefits on eventual retirement subject to scheme age limits.

Members of the 2008 section who work beyond NPA of 65 will have the element of benefits that they accrued prior to age 65 increased by actuarial factors. This is known as “late retirement”.

9.1.7 Benefits payable

Annual pension equal to 1/60th of the annual average of the best 3 years consecutive pensionable pay in the 10 calendar years before retirement.

No automatic retirement lump sum provision.

9.1.8 Lump Sum Choice (Commutation)

Members of the 2008 section receive a higher accrual rate of pension but do not in turn receive a retirement lump sum. They can, however, opt to give up part of their annual pension in order to receive a lump sum payment on retirement. As with the 1995 section members, the maximum that a member can give up is 25% of the total pension value. This limit is set by HMRC. In turn the member will receive £12 for every £1 pension. A calculator for conversion is on the HSC Pension Service website.

9.1.9 Partial retirement

A member of the 2008 section who has reached minimum pension age (MPA) of 55 can elect to access some of their benefits and continue working. They can do this on 2 occasions only and must not extinguish their entitlement to benefits prior to actual retirement. See part 9.7 for further information.

9.1.10 Effect on re-employment within the HSC after retirement

Members of the 2008 section can in certain circumstances become re- employed and re-join the scheme if under age 75. Members can then accrue further membership and qualify for a second benefit.

9.1.11 Application for payment of retirement benefits

When a member wishes to retire, their employer should provide them with form AW6, Application for Scheme Retirement Benefits.

9.1.12 Arrangements for members of the 2008 section

Members of the 2015 Scheme are entitled to receive payment of their benefits at their State Pension Age (SPA) without reduction. The SPA is not a mandatory age for retirement – members can continue in pensionable employment and claim their benefits on eventual retirement subject to scheme age limits.

Members of the 2015 scheme who work beyond SPA will have the element of benefits that they accrued increased by actuarial factors. This is known as “late retirement”.

9.1.13 Benefits payable

Benefits are calculated on an annual basis of 1/54th of the member’s pensionable pay throughout their career. Benefits earned each year are then re-valued by a set rate and paid as a cumulative amount. No automatic retirement lump sum provision.

9.1.14 Lump Sum Choice (Commutation)

Members of the 2015 Scheme receive a higher accrual rate of pension but do not in turn receive a retirement lump sum. They can, however, opt to give up part of their annual pension in order to receive a lump sum payment on retirement. As with the 1995/2008 section members, the maximum that a member can give up is 25% of the total pension value. This limit is set by HMRC. In turn the member will receive £12 for every £1 pension. A calculator for conversion is on the HSC Pension Scheme website.

9.1.15 Partial retirement

A member of the 2015 section who has reached minimum pension age (MPA) of 55 can elect to access some of their benefits and continue working. They can do this on 2 occasions only and must not extinguish their entitlement to benefits prior to actual retirement. See part 9.7 for further information.

9.1.16 Effect on re-employment within the HSC after retirement

Members of the 2015 Scheme can in certain circumstances become re- employed and re-join the scheme if under age 75. Members can then accrue further membership and qualify for a second benefit.

9.1.17 Application for payment of retirement benefits

When a member wishes to retire, their employer should provide them with form AW6, Application for Scheme Retirement Benefits.

9.2 Voluntary Early Retirement (VER)

The HSC Pension Scheme allows for members to take Voluntary Early Retirement with Actuarial Reduction (VER). The amount of Actuarial Reduction (AR), which differs between the 1995 section, the 2008 section and the 2015 Scheme, depends on the member’s age in years and months at the point of VER.

The AR, which applies to the annual pension and lump sum payment, is to take account of these retirement benefits being paid earlier than they normally would be

Current members of the scheme must have at least 2 years scheme membership to become eligible for VER. Members with benefits preserved on or after 31st March 2000 are also eligible for VER.

9.2.1 Arrangements for members of the 1995 section

Members of the 1995 section may elect to receive payment of their VER benefits from MPA of 50 onwards providing they had service before 06/04/2006. Any reduction applied is in line with the factors detailed in the table below, which are based on age 60 retirement, regardless of whether the member has special class status or is a MHO. VER benefits will remain at the reduced level for life, however, dependant benefits are not based on the reduced level of benefit.

Members with special class/MHO status who have a NPA of 55 are not eligible for VER after they have reached this age as normal age retirement applies.

VER benefits for male scheme members with special class status will only be based on their membership post 17th May 1990. The remaining membership will be preserved for payment at their NPA of 60.

9.2.3 Guaranteed minimum pension (GMP)

The scheme provides for a level of benefit equal to or greater than the value of the GMP. A test in line with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) legislation must be completed before any payment of benefit can be made. HSC PENSION SERVICE will contact HMRC to obtain information on the current value of a member’s GMP. If the level of benefit is less than the GMP amount provided by HMRC, payment of a VER pension cannot be made.

9.2.4 Benefits Payable

Annual pension equal to 1/80th of the best of last 3 years pensionable pay for each year of service with the appropriate AR applied.

Lump sum retiring allowance equal to 3 times the annual pension with the appropriate AR applied.

However, men with membership prior to 25th March 1972 who are, or have been married, and did not take up the option to purchase an unreduced lump for membership prior to this date will only receive 1 times the value of annual pension with the appropriate AR applied for service prior to this date.

9.2.5 VER Factors – 1995 section

Separate factors are applied to the pension and lump sum elements. The following table provides the approximate deduction which will be applied to the pension and lump sum for a member after taking VER from the 1995 section arrangements.

Age	Pension	Lump Sum
59	4.6%	3%
58	9.1%	6%
57	13.3%	8.9%
56	17.3%	11.7%
55	21%	14.4%
54	24.6%	17%
53	27.8%	19.5%
52	30.8%	22%
51	33.5%	24.3%
50	36.1%	26.6%

9.2.6 Lump Sum Choice (Commutation)

The regulations were amended from 1st April 2008 to allow members in pensionable employment on or after that date the option to give up part of their annual pension in order to receive a larger retirement lump sum payment. The maximum that a member can give up is 25% of the capital pension value. This limit is set by HMRC. In turn the member will receive £12 for every £1 pension. A calculator for conversion is on the HSC Pension Service website. For members who opt to take VER, the commutation is based on the appropriate AR value of benefits.

9.2.7 Effect of re-employment within the HSC after VER

9.2.8 Application for payment of benefits

When a member wishes to take VER their employer should provide them with form AW6, Application for Scheme Retirement Benefits.

9.2.9 Members of the 2008 section

Members of the 2008 section may elect to receive payment of their VER benefits from MPA of 55 onwards. Any reduction applied is in line with the factors detailed in the table below, which are based on age 65 retirement, VER benefits will remain at the reduced level for life however dependant benefits are not based on the reduced level of benefit.

9.2.10 Guaranteed minimum pension (GMP)

The scheme provides for a level of benefit equal to or greater than the value of the GMP. A test in line with the Department of Work and Pensions legislation must be completed before any payment of benefit can be made. HSC Pension Service will contact HMRC to obtain information on the current value of a member’s GMP. If the level of benefit is less than the GMP amount provided by HMRC, VER pension cannot accepted.

9.2.11 Benefits payable

Annual pension equal to 1/60th of the annual average of the best 3 years consecutive pensionable pay in the 10 calendar years before retirement with the appropriate AR applied.

No mandatory retirement lump sum provision.

9.2.12 VER Factors – 2008 section

The following table provides the approximate deduction which will be applied to the full pension payable after the member has taken VER from the 2008 section arrangements.

Age	Pension
64	5.1%
63	10%
62	14.5%
61	18.8%
60	22.8%
59	26.5%
58	29.9%
57	33.2%
56	36.3%
55	39.1%

9.2.13 Lump Sum Choice (Commutation)

Members of the 2008 section receive a higher accrual rate of pension, but do not in turn receive an automatic retirement lump sum. They can, however, opt to give up part of their annual pension in order to receive a lump sum payment on retirement. As with the 1995 section members, the maximum that a member can give up is 25% of the capital pension value. This limit is set by HMRC. In turn the member will receive £12 for every £1 pension. A calculator for conversion is on the HSC Pension Service website. For members who opt to take VER, the commutation is based on the appropriate AR value of benefits.

9.2.14 Effect of re-employment within the HSC after VER

Members of the 2008 section can in certain circumstances become re-employed and re-join the scheme if under age 75. Members can then accrue further membership and qualify for a second benefit.

9.2.15 Application for payment of benefits

When a member wishes to take VER their employer should provide them with form AW6, Application for Scheme Retirement Benefits.

9.2.16 Members of the 2015 Scheme

Members of the 2015 Scheme may elect to receive payment of their VER benefits from MPA of 55 onwards. Any reduction applied is in line with the factors detailed in the table below, which are based years to SPA, VER benefits will remain at the reduced level for life however dependant benefits are not based on the reduced level of benefit.

9.2.17 Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP)

9.2.18 Benefits payable

No mandatory retirement lump sum provision.

9.2.19 VER Factors – 2015

The following table provides the approximate deduction which will be applied to the full pension payable after the member has taken VER from the 2008 section arrangements.

Years to SPA	Pension
1	5.4%
2	11.4%
3	15.1%
4	19.3%
5	23.3%
6	27%
7	30.5%
8	33.7%
9	36.7%
10	39.5%
11	42.2%
12	44.6%

9.2.20 Lump Sum Choice (Commutation)

Members of the 2015 Scheme receive a higher accrual rate of pension, but do not in turn receive an automatic retirement lump sum. They can, however, opt to give up part of their annual pension in order to receive a lump sum payment on retirement. As with the 1995/2008 section members, the maximum that a member can give up is 25% of the capital pension value. This limit is set by HMRC. In turn the member will receive £12 for every £1 pension. A calculator for conversion is on the HSC Pension Service website. For members who opt to take VER, the commutation is based on the appropriate AR value of benefits.

9.2.21 Effect of re-employment within the HSC after VER

Members of the 2015 Scheme can in certain circumstances become re-employed and re-join the scheme if under age 75. Members can then accrue further membership and qualify for a second benefit.

9.2.22 Application for payment of benefits

When a member wishes to take VER their employer should provide them with form AW6, Application for Scheme Retirement Benefits.

9.2.23 Early Retirement Reduction Buyout (ERRBO)

Members of the 2015 Scheme can buy out the reduction that would apply to their retirement benefits if they were claimed before normal pension age (NPA). NPA in the 2015 Scheme is the same as the member’s State Pension Age (SPA) and may rise during membership of the Scheme if SPA rises. ERRBO is an option which exists in the 2015 Scheme only.

The agreement can be for early retirement 1, 2 or 3 years before the member’s NPA but no earlier than age 65. An exception to this is where a member’s NPA is not a whole number, for example if the NPA is 65 years and a number of months then an ERRBO agreement can be taken out to include the number of months.

The rate of additional contributions payable is based on the member’s age at the effective date of the agreement (i.e. age on 1 April of the first Scheme year to be covered by the agreement) and the number of years’ reduction being bought out. There is an overall limit on the total value of additional benefits that can be bought in this Scheme by the payment of additional contributions. If the member has bought or is buying Additional Pension (AP) this may limit the scope of the ERRBO agreement available. HSC Pension Service will tell the member if this applies when the member makes an application.

The additional contributions are payable during each Scheme year (i.e. 1 April of one year to 31 March of the following year) that the early retirement reduction is being bought out.

9.3 Death Benefits

In the event of the death of a current, deferred or retired member, the scheme provides for the payment of lump sum on death and/or survivor benefits; subject to certain conditions. The level of benefit is dependent on the member’s circumstances at time of death.

Application for payment of death benefits must be made using the relevant application form:

AW11 Claim for Surviving Adult Dependant Pension on death of an active member
AW11/3 Application for Payment of a Death Gratuity to Personal Representative(s) Death on Pension or Death on Preservation of Benefits
AW10 Death in Service – Claim for a Life Assurance Lump Sum on Death of an active member.
AW34 Application of Award of Child Allowance.

9.3.1 Lump sum on death

A lump sum on death is payable to a either a widow, widower, civil partner, nominated non legal partner or a dependant. A member can elect to nominate one or more recipients to receive the lump sum on death, The member should complete and submit form DG3 if they wish to nominate a recipient/recipients.

The nomination must specify the percentage to be paid to each nominee. This may be revoked or changed at any time. If, at the time of the death, it is not possible to pay to one or more of the nominees, the relevant percentage of the lump sum will be paid to the member’s personal representative(s) or to the estate.

For members of the 1995 section, nominations may only be made by a member who is in pensionable employment at the time of making the nomination or a person whose pensionable employment ceased on or after 1st April 2008

Death lump sums derived from the HSC Pension Scheme are not normally taxable if the deceased was married or was living in a civil partnership. However, if the deceased was single and the sum is to be paid as part of their estate it will be taken into account by HMRC for Inheritance Tax purposes.

In cases where a death lump sum is being paid direct to a deceased’s estate and the value is over £5000, HSC Pension Service will require to have the amount included in any Confirmation of Estate.

In line with HMRC rules, any payment of a lump sum on death must be paid within 2 years of death or it will attract a tax charge of up to 40%.

9.3.2 Level of lump sum on death

The following is the level of death lump sum payable relative to both 1995 and 2008 section members.

Members of the 1995 section:

Current member – 2 x the actual annual rate of pensionable pay or 2 x average annual earnings in the case of practitioner members
Deferred member – 3 x the preserved pension at date of death.
Pensioner member – if death within 5 years of retirement – the lesser of:
- The value of five years annual rate of pension (after commutation if member elected to commute part of their pension on retirement) less pension already paid to date of death; or
- 2 x pensionable pay less the actual lump sum received on retirement

(a) Death within 5 years of retirement and was not also an active member at time of death – the lesser of:

The value of five years annual rate of pension (after commutation if member elected to commute part of their pension on retirement) less pension already paid to date of death; or
2 x member’s reckonable pay less the actual lump sum received on retirement.

(b) Death within 5 years of retirement and was also an active member at time of death:

For period of pension in payment of less than 5 years, the lesser of:
- The value of five years annual rate of pension (after commutation if member elected to commute part of their pension on retirement) less pension already paid to date of death; or
2 x reckonable pay less the actual lump sum received on retirement.For the active period of membership prior to death and if under age 65 at time of death – 5 x the value of a notional lower tier ill health pension.For the active period of membership prior to death and if over age 65 at time of death – 5 x the value of a normal retirement pension.(c) Death within 5 years of electing to opt to take partial retirement
2 x the appropriate fraction of the annual rate of reckonable pay at date of death plus the lesser of,
- 5 x the annual pension taken under partial retirement less the pension already paid or the value of the appropriate fraction of pensionable pay on which the last option was exercised less the lump sums paid under all options.

Members of the 2015 Scheme:

Current member – 2 x the relevant earnings in the last 12 months or 2 x the revalued pensionable earnings for the Scheme year, up to 10 years earlier, with the highest revalued pensionable earnings
Deferred member – deferred annual pension x 2.025.
Pensioner member – Please note that members of the 2008 section can take their pension and re-join the scheme. This option does not apply to members who have taken partial retirement.

(a) Death within 5 years of retirement and was not also an active member at time of death – the lesser of:

The lesser of: 5 x annual pension amount less pension already paid; or 2 x the lump sum payable had they been an active member on the date of death less any retirement lump sum (commutation) already taken

(b) Death within 5 years of retirement and was also an active member at time of death: For period of pension in payment of less than 5 years, the lesser of:

The value of five years annual rate of pension (after commutation if member elected to commute part of their pension on retirement) less pension already paid to date of death; or
2 x the relevant earnings in the last 12 months or 2 x the revalued pensionable earnings for the Scheme year, up to 10 years earlier, with the highest revalued pensionable earnings less the actual lump sum received on retirement.
For the active period of membership prior to death and if under SPA at time of death – 5 x the value of a notional lower tier ill health pension.
For the active period of membership prior to death and if over SPA at time of death – 5 x the value of a normal retirement pension.

the appropriate fraction of the annual rate of relevant earnings at date of death plus the lesser of,
the annual pension taken under partial retirement less the pension already paid or the value of the appropriate fraction of relevant earnings on which the last option was exercised less the lump sums paid under all options.

9.3.3 Survivor benefits

Survivor benefits can be payable to the deceased member’s:

Widow, Widower, Civil partner, nominated non legal partner, Dependant(s)
Members of the 1995 section

9.3.4 Initial rate of pension following death

There is no qualifying period for payment of an initial rate of pension. However, initial rate pensions only apply in the following circumstances.

9.3.5 Death in service

The Initial Pension is paid by HSC employers if the member was legally married or in a registered civil partnership at the date of death. Payment is made regardless of any child allowances that may be payable. The initial rate of pension is payable from the day after death, extended by any untaken annual leave, for a period of 6 months at the rate of pensionable earnings at death. Employers should notify HSC Pension Service on commencement of payment by using form AW135 Notification of Salary Related Survivor’s Pension.). The initial rate of pension is then reclaimed by the employer from HSC Pension Service at the end of the payment period.

From 1st April 2008 a member may nominate a non-married partner to receive a survivor benefit based on scheme membership from 1st April 1988. Members of the 1995 section could have chosen to purchase their pre 1 April 1988 service to be included in survivor benefits. This choice was available during a limited time period which has now ended for 1995 section members.

If at the time of death HSC Pension Service holds a nomination from the member any application received from the partner will need to be validated by HSC Pension Service before payment can be made.

GP practice staff will be paid by HSC Pension Service as at present for a period of 6 months.

9.3.6 Death on pension

An initial pension is paid by HSC Pension Service if the member was legally married or in a registered civil partnership. The initial rate is payable for a period of 3 months and is extended to 6 months if there are dependent children.

Long term pension

The rate of long term pensions are determined by marital status and status of membership at time of death. To be entitled to a long term pension the deceased member must have completed the minimum period of membership required for payment of a benefit from the scheme.

Death in service

Widow
- ½ rate pension based on a notional tier 2 ill health pension for all membership.
Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- ½ rate pension based on notional tier 2 ill health pension for membership only from 1.4.88.

If the member has purchased pre 6th April 1988 service in respect of their surviving partner then this would be added to the service figure pre any enhancement.

Death within 12 months of leaving the scheme with entitlement to a preserved pension

Widow
- ½ rate pension based on a notional tier 2 ill health pension for all membership up to date of leaving.
Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- ½ rate pension based on notional tier 2 ill health pension for membership up to date of leaving but only for membership from 1.4.88.

If the member has purchased pre 6th April 1988 service in respect of their surviving partner then this would be added to the service figure pre any enhancement.

Death with preserved benefits

Widow
- ½ rate pension based on preserved pension.
Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- ½ rate pension based on preserved pension for membership only from 1st April 1988.

If the member has purchased pre 6th April 1988 service in respect of their surviving partner then this would be included.

Death on pension

Widow
- ½ rate pension based on pension in payment.
Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner.
- ½ rate pension based on membership only from 1st April 1988.

Members of the 2008 section

9.3.7 Initial rate of pension following death

As with the 1995 section, there is no qualifying period for payment of an initial rate of pension. However, initial rate pensions only apply in the following cases:

Death in service

The pension is paid by HSC employers if the member was legally married or in a registered civil partnership. Payment is made regardless of any child allowances that may be payable. The initial rate of pension is payable from the day after death for a period of 6 months at rate of pensionable pay salary on death. HSC Pension Service should be notified at the start of payment by using form AW135. The initial rate of pension is then reclaimed by the employer from HSC Pension Service at the end of the period.

GP practice staff will be paid by HSC Pension Service as at present for a period of 6 months.

A member may nominate a non-married partner to receive a survivor benefit. If at the time of death HSC Pension Service hold a nomination from the member any application received from the partner will need to be validated by HSC Pension Service before any payment can be made

Death on pension

The pension is paid by HSC Pension Service if the member was legally married or in a registered civil partnership. The initial rate is payable for a period of 3 months and is extended to 6 months if there are dependent children.

Death of re employed pensioner

If the deceased was a pensioner who had re-joined the scheme after taking payment of their benefits the initial rate is 6 months.

Long term pension

To be entitled to a long term pension the deceased member must have completed the minimum period of membership required for payment of a benefit from the scheme.

Death in service

Widow, Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- Pension at rate of 37.5% based on a tier 2 ill health pension for all membership. Death within 12 months of leaving the scheme with entitlement to a preserved pension
Widow Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- Pension at rate of 37.5% based on a tier 2 ill health pension for all membership up to date of leaving.

Death with preserved benefits

Widow Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- Pension at rate of 37.5% based on preserved pension.

Death on pension

Widow Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- Pension at rate of 37.5% based on pension in payment.

Death re employed pensioner

Pension at rate of 37.5% based on pension in payment taking into account any abatement of pension also,
Pension at rate of 37.5% based on re employed active membership at time of death.

Additional Pension (AP) purchased for surviving partner

A member can make additional provision for survivor benefits by purchasing AP to include additional survivor cover. The Basic AP purchased is revalued in line with any changes arising from the Pensions Increase Act between the date the option commenced and point of payment. For completed contracts the surviving partner will receive 37.5% of the amount of increase that the member would have received.

If the contract to purchase is not completed at time of death, the following will apply: Death within 12 months of taking out the option

The contributions to the member/members personal representative are refunded by HSC Pension Service. If the employer had opted to make additional pension payments then HSC Pension Service would also refund those payments to the employer.

Death after 12 months of taking out option

The surviving partner will receive an increase equal to that of a completed contract.

Members of the 2015 Scheme

9.3.7 Initial rate of pension following death

As with the 1995/2008 section, there is no qualifying period for payment of an initial rate of pension. However, initial rate pensions only apply in the following cases:

Death in service

The pension is paid by HSC employers if the member was legally married or in a registered civil partnership. Payment is made regardless of any child allowances that may be payable. The initial rate of pension is payable from the day after death for a period of 6 months at a rate of pensionable pay on death. HSC Pension Service should be notified at the start of payment by using form AW135. The initial rate of pension is then reclaimed by the employer from HSC Pension Service at the end of the period.

GP practice staff will be paid by HSC Pension Service as at present for a period of 6 months.

Death on pension

Death re employed pensioner

If the deceased was a pensioner who had re-joined the scheme after taking payment of their benefits the initial rate is 6 months.

Long term pension

To be entitled to a long term pension the deceased member must have completed the minimum period of membership required for payment of a benefit from the scheme.

Death in service

Widow, Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- Pension at rate of 33.75% based on a tier 2 ill health pension for all membership. Death within 12 months of leaving the scheme with entitlement to a preserved pension
Widow Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- Pension at rate of 33.75% based on a tier 2 ill health pension for all membership up to date of leaving

Death with preserved benefits

Widow Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- Pension at rate of 33.75% based on preserved pension.

Death on pension

Widow Widower, Civil Partner, Nominated Non legal partner
- Pension at rate of 33.75% based on pension in payment.

Death re employed pensioner

Pension at rate of 33.75% based on pension in payment taking into account any abatement of pension also,
Pension at rate of 33.75% based on re employed active membership at time of death.

Additional Pension (AP) purchased for surviving partner

A member can make additional provision for survivor benefits by purchasing AP to include additional survivor cover. The Basic AP purchased is revalued in line with any changes arising from the Pensions Increase Act between the date the option commenced and point of payment. For completed contracts the surviving partner will receive 33.75% of the amount of increase that the member would have received.

If the contract to purchase is not completed at the time of death, the following will apply: Death within 12 months of taking out the option.

Death after 12 months of taking out option

The surviving partner will receive an increase equal to that of a completed contract.

9.3.7 Child Allowance all sections

An allowance is now payable to a dependent child of a member whose pensionable service ended on or after 1st April 2008, until they reach age 23. An allowance can only continue to be paid after that age to a child who is incapable of earning a living because of permanent physical or mental infirmity which existed at the date of death.

The allowance will be paid from the day after the date of death by HSC Pension Service.

Child allowances are either a proportion of a notional tier 2 ill health pension based on the member’s service or 10 years membership, whichever is the most beneficial to the child. In the case of a member who worked part time any benefit would be scaled down accordingly.

Application for payment can be made by completing form AW34.

9.4 Premature retirement on redundancy or in the Interests of efficiency on or after 1 December 2006

The way in which a member can access early payment of benefits from the scheme on being made redundant changed from 1st December 2006 (subject to certain criteria).

These changes were made in conjunction with the revised UK agreement for employer compensation payments on redundancy.

The qualifying criteria are:

Members must have 2 years qualifying membership
The employer must certify that the member has had at least 2 years continuous HSC employment.
The member has not reasonably refused to apply for alternative employment or accept an offer of suitable employment.
The member has attained minimum pension age.

The employer must also certify that the employment is being terminated:

By reason of redundancy.
In the interests of efficiency of the service.

9.4.1 Members over minimum pension age with 2 years qualifying service – all sections New arrangements

Members can apply for payment of an unreduced pension and lump sum based on their membership to the date of the termination of employment, with no actuarial reduction applied to the benefits.

If the member elects to receive payment of an unreduced pension, the costs of paying the pension benefits will be capitalised by the employer and will be offset against any possible redundancy payment.

If the payment of the capitalised cost of the members benefit by lump sum is less than the value of the redundancy payment, the employer must pay the difference to the member.

9.4.2 Members with concurrent employment

Members can choose whether to take their benefits from the employment that is being terminated and continue in pensionable employment in respect of the remaining pensionable posts or, take their benefits in respect of all pensionable employment. If the member elects to take this option they will not be able to re-join the scheme in respect of any further HSC employment.

9.4.3 Practitioner members

Practitioner members who have concurrent practitioner and non-practitioner employment can receive benefits on redundancy grounds from the non-practitioner employment that is being terminated. If the practitioner elects to retire from all pensionable employment any benefits payable for practitioner membership would be paid on an early retirement basis with actuarial reduction applied for payments made before NRA.

9.5 Ill health retirement

This part of the guide on ill health retirement applies to both members of all sections of the Scheme. However, there are occasions where there are differences and these are noted separately.

Employers and their Occupational Health advisers should look at ways of helping members to remain in or return to work e.g. re-deployment, part-time working, transferring to a post with less responsibility or consider other workplace adjustments before concluding that ill health retirement may be appropriate.

Ill health benefits can be granted by HSC Pension Service if they are satisfied that the applicant has become permanently incapable of “discharging efficiently the duties of their employment by reason of physical or mental infirmity” until Normal Pension Age (NPA) i.e. age 60, 65 or SPA.

The member must have completed a qualifying period of 2 years.

There are two levels of benefits that can be awarded:

Tier 1 and Tier 2

To qualify for tier 1 a member must be assessed as being permanently unable to do their own job.

To qualify for tier 2 a member must be assessed as being permanently unable to do their own job and also could not undertake any other job across a general field of employment to the same extent as the member was undertaking in their own job.

Within the scope of tier 2 there is the recognition that the ability to undertake some therapeutic work can assist scheme members to manage their condition. This allows members to earn up to the Lower Earnings Limit for National Insurance contributions each tax year without losing access to their tier 2 Ill Health pension.

The Medical Adviser appointed by HSC Pension Service may also recommend that the member may be awarded tier 1 with the option to have a re-assessment to upper tier within a 3 year period. This recommended period will start from the date of the award and the onus is on the member to instruct HSC Pension Service of their wish for a re-assessment and to submit further medical evidence. Neither subsequent conditions nor deterioration related to ageing will be taken into account at the reassessment.

9.5.1 How to apply for ill health retirement

If the member is still employed in the HSC they should apply on form AW33. This should be completed and returned to HSC Pension Service together with:

Supporting medical evidence – copies of all specialist or hospital correspondence relating to the present illness(s) should be included. This may include a GP, OH, Specialist, Registrar, Consultant or other report. Full details of sick absences including start date, end date and full reasons for the absence. A current job description.

This allows the MA to assess on the job the member holds. Details of redeployment or rehabilitation considered. This allows the MA to assess whether all other options (where possible) have been considered.

Where a condition is severe enough to warrant ill health retirement, whether this be a psychiatric or physical complaint, it is not unreasonable to expect that the applicant should have had the benefit of a specialist opinion. It would greatly help in the consideration of the application if the medical information is provided by a specialist. If this is not possible or the applicant has not been referred to a specialist, the AW33 should be completed by the applicant’s Occupational Health Physician or GP.

In order for the application to be valid, the declaration on the application form must be signed and dated by the applicant and the certification must be completed by the employer.

All incomplete applications or applications with insufficient evidence will be returned by HSC Pension Service to the employer. If an application does not contain enough medical evidence and supporting documents it is unlikely to succeed.

9.5.2 The decision

As the decision to award ill health retirement benefits is based solely on the paper evidence provided, it is in the employer and member’s interest to ensure that the application contains all relevant information to support it.

It is on this information that the MA will assess the application and make a recommendation to HSC Pension Service. HSC Pension Service will make the final decision.

9.5.3 Notification of the decision

Both the employer and the member will be notified by letter of HSC Pension Service’s decision.

If the application is accepted employers must ensure that the member’s service ceases on the day of termination completed by payroll on the AW6 application form (remember to take in consideration any annual leave). Any amendment to the date of termination should be sent to HSC Pension Service immediately by Payroll. HSC Pension Service will put the pension into payment as soon as possible thereafter.

Where the application is not accepted or the member is awarded the lower tier, they can apply to have this decision reviewed through HSC Pension Service’s Internal Dispute Resolution Procedures, Stage 1. Details are included in the member’s letter and further information on the IDRP process is available from our website.

9.5.4 Enhancement

If a member is awarded tier 1, they will receive a pension based on the service accrued to date with no enhancement of service.

If a member is awarded tier 2, they will receive an enhancement of up to 2/3 of their prospective membership to NPA.

In the 2015 scheme, enhancement up to 50% of the member’s prospective service is available.

9.5.5 Enhancement for members in part time employment

If a member in part-time employment becomes entitled to an ill health pension the member’s pensionable service will count at its full length for the purpose of calculating the enhancement.

The enhancement will be based on the whole-time equivalent of the member’s pensionable service in respect of the part-time employment and the enhancement will be calculated as a proportion of the whole-time equivalent for the part-time hours worked.

9.5.6 Terminal illness

If a member is seriously ill and it has been confirmed from medical evidence that their life expectancy is less than 12 months, they may apply to commute (convert) their pension into a one off lump sum. The member should complete the relevant part of the application to indicate that they wish to commute their pension. This request must be made when the application is made as it cannot be made after the pension is put into payment. Dependant’s pensions will not be affected if the member applies for commutation and they will get any pension they are entitled to in full.

Terminal Illness applications are fast tracked. On receipt of the application and evidence (at least one medical confirmation of life expectancy of less than 12 months must be supplied) the cases are e- mailed to the MA who will usually respond promptly. In such cases, it is not necessary for the employer to delay an application to HSC Pension Service if there is no job description, details of re- deployment etc.

9.5.7 Members buying Additional Service, an Unreduced Lump Sum or Additional Pension

Members in the 1995 section had the option (until the reforms in 2008) to purchase Additional Service or an Unreduced Lump Sum. On 1st April 2008 saw the introduction of Additional Pension for all members.

Irrespective of which section of the scheme the member is in, if the member is buying additional service, an unreduced lump sum or additional pension by deductions from their pay and are approved for ill health retirement, they will not have to make any further payments towards this. They will be credited with the full amount of additional years of service/pension on what they would have had at the end of their contract provided that they are under NPA when they retire, they were in good health when they started the contract and have paid for at least 12 months before they applied for ill health retirement. Part-time members will receive a proportion of the service purchased accordingly.

9.5.8 Commutation

1995 members with a NPA of 60 receive a pension and a lump sum. They also have an option to take a higher lump sum by surrendering £1 of annual pension for £12 of lump sum.
2008 members with a NPA of 65 receive a pension only. They have the flexibility to take up to 25% of “capital value of pension fund” after commutation as a tax value of their pension to give themselves a lump sum.
2015 members with a NPA of SPA receive a pension only. They have the flexibility to take up to 25% of “capital value of pension fund” after commutation as a tax value of their pension to give themselves a lump sum.

9.5.9 Members no longer in the pension scheme

Members with preserved benefits who opt out of the pension scheme may apply to have their benefits paid early with no enhancement if they are currently working in the HSC, have at least 2 years’ service and are permanently incapable of carrying out the duties of their employment.

Members with preserved benefits who no longer work in the HSC may apply to have their benefits paid early with no enhancement if they have at least 2 year’s preserved service and are permanently incapable of doing any regular work. These members should complete form AW33 (P) and return it to HSC Pension Service along with all medical evidence of their permanent inability to do any regular work.

9.5.10 Returning to HSC employment after retiring due to ill health

Ill health benefits are awarded because the member has been found to be permanently unable to do their own job.

If they have been awarded lower tier benefits and return to HSC employment their benefits may be reduced, this is known as ‘abatement’.

If the member is awarded tier 2 they may not re-join the HSC pension scheme.

Members are advised to contact HSC Pension Service directly about the effects of re-employment whilst in receipt of ill health benefits.

9.6 Allocation

Members can allocate part of their pension on retirement to provide a pension to a beneficiary after their death.

A member can allocate in favour of one person only e.g. to a spouse, civil partner, nominated partner or to a close member of family. (I.e. someone who is wholly or partially dependant on them for support).

The allocated pension will be paid in addition to any widow’s, widower’s, civil partner, nominated surviving partner or child allowance payable.

Members can allocate if they are a current or deferred member of the scheme. Allocation can only be made if the member is in good health, having regard to their age.

Therefore, before HSC Pension Service can accept an allocation, we would require the member to undergo a medical examination by their GP. The person nominated does not have to be examined.

N.B: The cost of any medical fees incurred would be payable by the member.

9.6.1 Timescale for application

In line with HMRC rules, any allocation of benefit must be made before the members benefits become payable. We cannot accept an election to allocate once payment has been made.

An allocation may only be cancelled in the period of time between a member applying to make an allocation and the date HSC Pension Service notifies them that it has been accepted. Once an allocation has been accepted it cannot be cancelled, even if the person that has been allocated the benefits dies before the member. The allocated value of the HSC pension will never be restored to the member.

9.6.2 The amount that can be allocated

The member can allocate up to one third of their pension and must allocate an exact number of pounds. In doing so it must provide:-

The beneficiary with a pension of not less than £260.00 a year.
The total value of pension payable to the beneficiary must exceed the amount that can be commuted to a one off lump sum under HMRC rules.

The member must be left with more pension than the beneficiary. They cannot be left with less than the Guaranteed Minimum Pension required under the Social Security legislation.

9.6.3 Beneficiary pension level

The amount of pension payable to a beneficiary in return for every £1 the members allocates is dependent on:

Age.
The beneficiary’s age.
Whether the beneficiary is male or female.

9.7 Partial Retirement

9.7.1 Partial Retirement – 2008 arrangements – main benefits

This arrangement allows members of the 2008 section & 2015 Scheme to access part of their benefits whilst continuing to remain in pensionable employment as part of a plan agreed with the employer to support them in the run up to eventual retirement subject to the following:

Members must be between age of 55 and 75.
Members must be in pensionable employment at the time of electio (also known as Option Day) as either an active or non-contributing (i.e. .a member no longer required to contribute to the scheme).
If a member has more than 1 employment, they must continue in at least 1 employment after the election.
Employers must certify that due to a change a reduction in actual pensionable pay of at least 10%; such a reduction must be from a level of pay sustained for at least 12 months prior to the election and the reduction must remain in place for a period of 12 months after election.
The reduction of 10% of pensionable pay applies to all pensionable employment in cases where a member holds concurrent employments.
Employers must certify the reduction in earnings.
Members can take partial retirement on 2 occasions only.
The member must specify the amount of pension they wish to take which must be at least a minimum of 20% of accrued membership disregarding any AP purchase. If the member is purchasing AP the member must also specify that they wish to take the accrued value of their purchase.
The remaining benefits within the scheme cannot be less than 20% of accrued membership subject to 0.05% of the member’s life time allowance.
Remaining membership for part time staff cannot amount to less than 1 years pensionable service (in case of most members) or in the case of practitioners the minimum average remuneration.

9.7.2 Additional Pension (AP) purchase

If a member is purchasing AP and they wish to receive the accrued value of their purchase at date of option. The contract to purchase will cease at that point.

9.7.3 Effect to member benefit taken on partial retirement

If a member takes partial retirement before NPA, an actuarial reduction is applied to the benefit taken in line with current VER factors
If a member takes partial retirement after NPA they are entitled to actual payment of accrued part of benefit with normal late (LPI) payment increases applied.

9.7.4 Effect of increase in hours following partial retirement

If the terms of a members employment changes during the 12 month period following partial retirement, the benefit payable will be affected as follows:

If during the 12 month period following Option Day, the terms on which the member holds their employment, or the employment changes again and as a result a members pensionable pay increases to more than 90%, the pension which has been taken under the partial retirement provision is abated to zero (i.e. suspended). This would become effective immediately after the date on which increase in pay took place.

9.7.5 Members with concurrent employments on Option Day

Criteria are as above but also include:

Members can partially retire from 1 employment but must continue in at least 1 employment after the election as noted above.
The employments are treated separately for calculation of benefits.

9.7.6 Death benefits after partial retirement

Lump sum on death is calculated into 2 separate parts:

Calculated as death in service for undrawn benefit element; and
Death on pension for the benefits received on partial retirement.

Survivor pensions are also calculated into 2 separate elements for:
Initial or short term rate; and

A combined benefit element for continuing or long term benefit.