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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 have more than one job within the NHS, you can make different pension arrangements for each. An election to leave the scheme, or not to join it, in respect of one job does not affect the superannuation position of any other job.