In the 1995 Section, members with SCS or MHO can have a maximum of 40 years calendar length membership at age 55.
Calendar length means the length of time you've been a member of the NHS Pension Scheme. This is the same if you work full-time or part-time.
If your calendar length membership exceeds 40 years by the time you reach age 55, it's restricted to 40 years calendar length on your 55th birthday.
If you worked part-time, for the 40 years you're allowed to keep up to age 55, we select the years in which you worked the highest number of hours. This is the years most beneficial when calculating the membership which counts towards your retirement benefits.
You can continue to build up further membership up to a maximum of 45 calendar length years overall if your membership continues beyond your 55th birthday.
If contributions are being paid, you'll still benefit from any increases to your pensionable pay and continue cover for ill-health retirement and death in-service.
For MHO members, doubled years are counted when working out your maximum membership.
Once you’ve moved to the 2015 Scheme, your 1995 Section is closed and you’ll no longer build up any benefits in this Section. Unless you’ve reached your maximum membership before you moved to the 2015 Scheme, you’ll no longer be subject to the 1995 Section rules.
Read more information in the SCS and MHO factsheet on our website.
Contributions
40 years service before age 55
Contributions must continue to be paid unless you:
- opt-out of the Scheme
- retire and claim your pension benefits
45 years service before age 60
Contributions must continue to be paid unless you:
- opt-out of the Scheme
- retire and claim your pension benefits
45 years service after age 60
At age 65, you must stop paying pension contributions.