What are the benefits?

Tax relief

When you pay into the LGPS, you get tax relief on your contributions. When you take your pension, you can also choose to take some of it as tax-free cash.

Flexible contributions

You can pay extra to build a bigger pension and still get tax relief. If money’s tight, you can choose to pay half your normal contributions and earn half your normal pension. This is known as the 50/50 section and helps you stay in the LGPS during difficult times.

Peace of mind

Your family is protected while you’re a member. If you die while in service, your family can get a lump sum and a pension for your spouse, civil partner, or eligible partner and children. If you become seriously ill and have been a member for at least two years, you may be able to take your pension straight away.

Retirement benefits

After two years in the LGPS, you can retire and take your pension from age 55. If you take it before State Pension age, the amount is usually lower. When you retire, you get a pension for life that rises each year with the cost of living.

The Government has said the earliest pension age will rise to 57 from April 2028, but LGPS rules have not yet been updated to show this change.