Once you've checked you're eligible to transfer pension benefits into the NHS Pension Scheme, you must complete the Transfer in guide and application pack.
Form A is completed by you and your NHS employer.
Form B is completed by you and your former pension scheme. We’ll accept the information in the schemes own format if they do not complete forms.
If you’re transferring from a health service scheme in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you only need to complete Form A.
The transfers team will check if you’re eligible to transfer and estimate the credit you would receive if the transfer went ahead.
You’ll be sent an FA163 option form to accept or reject the transfer.
To accept the transfer, tick 'Yes' on the FA163 option form. This must be sent to the other pension scheme with any additional paperwork we've sent you or they've asked you to complete.
To reject the transfer, tick 'No' on the FA163 option form and return it to NHS Pensions.
If you’ve requested to transfer on Club terms, you must elect to proceed with the transfer and return the option forms to your other pension scheme within 12 months of joining the NHS Pension Scheme.
Transfers from a health service scheme in Scotland or Northern Ireland
If you joined the NHS Pension Scheme without having a break of over 5 years from the date you left your previous scheme, your transfer may be made on Corresponding Scheme transfer terms. These transfers are treated differently.
The membership in the previous scheme is treated as if it had been membership in the NHS Pension Scheme.
Confirmation of transfer payment
On receipt of the transfer payment from your previous pension provider, we’ll write to you to confirm the amount of membership the transfer has purchased.
We’ll send you confirmation of this within 2 months.
Leaving the NHS Pension Scheme before the transfer is complete
If you opt out of the NHS Pension Scheme, your transfer will be cancelled.
If you leave NHS employment after starting the transfer in process and before receiving a transfer estimate, your application will be rejected as you're no longer an active member.
If the transfer payment has already been received from your previous pension provider, the transfer will continue.