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NHS - Joining
Who can be a member of the NHS scheme?
NHS employees aged between 16 and 75, (up to maximum 65 in the case of members of the special classes and 70 for members of the amended arrangements post 1 April 2008) whether employed full time or part time, except:
- individuals who hold only an honorary NHS appointment;
- re-employed NHS pensioners (with the exception of those who retired on ill-health and who have returned to NHS employment before reaching age 50);
- employees who are absent from work for any reason;
- employees who have opted to leave the scheme and are receiving retirement benefits.
Membership of the scheme is voluntary but you will automatically be made a member, unless you decide not to join. You may choose to opt out of the scheme at any time in order to make alternative pension provision. You can do this by completing form SB34, available from your employer.
Before deciding to opt out of the scheme, you should carefully compare the relative cost of the options open to you and the whole package of benefits provided by the scheme, personal pension plans and SERPS. An independent financial adviser should be able to assist you.
If you decide not to participate in the scheme, but later change your mind, you may apply to join the scheme.
If you are already a member of the Scheme and want to retain membership after moving to new employment in a University Medical School, a Hospice or other charities that provide services to the NHS in Scotland or undertake short term voluntary work overseas, there are occasions when membership may be extended to those who work outside the NHS.
Generally speaking, membership of the Scheme is only open to those employed by an NHS employer but by means of a direction under the Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1967, the Director of Policy, on behalf of Scottish Ministers, can direct that staff not directly employed by an NHS employing authority, but who are employed in providing health services on behalf of or to compliment NHS services, can remain in the NHS Superannuation Scheme . For more information, go to our Direction Bodies page.