When can I retire?

If you stopped paying into the LGPS after 31 March 2014, then your normal pension age (NPA) in the LGPS is 65 or your State Pension Age if that is later. However, you can choose to retire at any age on or after age 55.

You must normally have two years' LGPS membership, including any transferred from other pension schemes, to qualify for a pension.

If you stopped paying into the LGPS before April 2014, see the Claim your pension section to find out when you can receive your pension.

Note: The government sets the earliest age at which you can access your pension savings under normal circumstances. This is currently age 55 as indicated above - however it is rising to age 57 from 6 April 2028.

Retiring between age 55 and normal pension age (NPA)

• You may choose to receive your pension at any age from age 55 to your NPA,
• Your pension may be reduced if you choose to take it before your NPA, see: Taking your pension early,
• You do not have to take your pension when you voluntarily leave work. You can take it at a later date, but it must be paid by age 75.

Retiring on or after normal pension age (NPA)

• Your pension can be paid in full from your NPA.
• Your pension can normally only be paid once you have left your job. You may be able to claim your pension and carry on working by taking flexible retirement, see: Flexible retirement.
• You can continue to work and pay into the LGPS until just before age 75. Your pension will be increased if it is paid after your normal pension age. Contact us for details.
• Your pension must be paid by age 75 even if you continue to work.

What to do if you are retiring

For active members see: Retiring

For deferred members see: Claim your pension

The Underpin

Some members may benefit from the Underpin protection. If your pension is protected by the Underpin, when you leave work, retire or opt out, your pension will be calculated using the current LGPS rules, but it will also be calculated using the rules that would have applied before April 2014. You will receive the benefit of the higher calculation.

You do not need to request the Underpin calculation. If you are eligible for this protection, Pension Services will calculate your benefits with the Underpin and make the comparison.

The Underpin applies if you:

• were an active member on 31 March 2012,
• were within 10 years of your normal pension age (NPA) on 1 April 2012,
• haven't had a continuous break in active membership of a public service pension scheme of more than 5 years (after 31 March 2012),
• you haven't taken any benefits in the LGPS CARE scheme before the date the underpin calculation is performed - this is the earlier of the date you leave the scheme or your NPA.