How to Claim Your NHS Pension: Everything You Need to Know
Understanding how to claim your NHS pension doesn’t have to be confusing. This guide walks you through each step clearly, so you can move forward with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays.
Are You an Active or Deferred Member? Here’s Why It Matters
Before you start the application, you need to know whether you're classed as an active or deferred member. This affects the form you use, who you notify, and what support you'll receive.
You're an active member if you're currently employed by the NHS and still contributing to the pension scheme. If you've left NHS employment but have pension benefits built up, you're considered a deferred member. Each category follows a different process when it comes to how to claim your NHS pension.
If you've deferred your State Pension as well, there’s a separate process you’ll need to follow — here’s a full guide on how to claim deferred State Pension and make sure you receive everything you're owed.
How to Claim My NHS Pension While Still Employed
To begin your NHS pension claim as an active member, you’ll need to follow a structured process that starts well before your retirement date.
1. Inform Your Employer at Least Four Months in Advance
You should inform your line manager or HR team about your intention to retire approximately four months in advance. This allows enough time to prepare the necessary documents and ensure a smooth transition.
2. Receive and Complete the AW8 Retirement Form
Your employer will give you the AW8 form, which is the official retirement benefits claim form. Carefully read the instructions and guidance notes. Make sure to complete every required section to avoid processing delays.
3. Attach Certified Documents
Alongside your completed form, you must submit original or certified copies of documents like your birth certificate, and marriage or death certificates if relevant. Incomplete documentation is a frequent reason for delays in processing.
4. Sign and Witness the Declaration
Don’t forget to sign the declaration section on the form and have it witnessed. If you are uncertain about who qualifies as a witness, your employer can provide guidance.
5. Submit the Form to Your Employer for Final Processing
Once you’ve completed your sections, return the form and all supporting documents to your employer. They’ll add their part and submit it to NHS Pensions. This should happen about three months before your retirement date.
6. Wait for Confirmation and Payment
Once NHS Pensions has received all the necessary documents, they will assess your application. Provided everything is in order, your pension and any lump sum will usually be paid within 30 days of your retirement date. This is the usual timescale for receiving your NHS pension whilst still in employment.
How to Claim Your Deferred NHS Pension
If you have left NHS employment, the process to claim your pension changes. As a deferred member, you will need to apply directly by post:
- Download the AW8P Form: You’ll need the AW8P Deferred Benefits Claim Form, which you can find on the NHS Pensions website. Make sure you have the correct version and read the guidance notes carefully.
- Fill in All Required Sections: Complete each section of the form in full. Missing or incorrect details could delay your application, especially if supporting evidence doesn’t match what’s on record.
- Send Certified Copies of Required Documents: Include certified or original copies of identification documents, such as your birth or marriage certificate. These are used to verify your identity and eligibility. Using tracked mail is recommended for extra security.
- Post Your Application to NHS Pensions: Mail your completed form and all required documents to: NHS Pensions, PO Box 683, Unit 5, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE5 9EE. Where possible, use tracked delivery to guarantee safe receipt.
- Wait for Your Confirmation Letter: After reviewing your application, NHS Pensions will send you a letter confirming your benefit details. This final step confirms the success of how to claim deferred NHS pension after leaving employment.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Your NHS Pension?
NHS Pensions typically processes claims and makes payments within 30 days of your retirement date, assuming all documentation is accurate. Delays often occur when information is missing, so double-check every section. This timeline applies whether you're claiming your NHS pension as an active or deferred member.
How Much Notice Do You Need to Claim NHS Pension?
Can I Claim My NHS Pension Early or Before 55?
In most cases, you can start claiming your NHS pension early from age 55. If you have a protected minimum pension age, you might be able to access your pension sooner. Certain members with Special Class status can start receiving benefits from the age of 50. Be aware that early retirement usually reduces your pension amount.
Partial Retirement and Retire-and-Return: Keep Working and Claim Your Pension
Partial retirement enables you to access between 20% and 100% of your NHS pension while remaining in your role, provided your pensionable earnings decrease by at least 10%. From October 2023, this applies across all sections of the scheme.
With retire and return, you take your full pension, take a short break, and re-join the NHS under a new contract. This allows you to keep earning and accruing additional pension benefits. This option allows you to continue working and accumulating further pension benefits. These flexible options are well-suited if you wish to access your pension whilst remaining in employment.
How to Apply for a Refund, Backdated Payments, or the NHS Pension of a Deceased Member
There are specific processes for claiming a refund, backdated benefits, or accessing pension payments after the death of a loved one. Each situation requires different steps and supporting documents.
Claiming a Refund on NHS Pension Contributions
If you left the NHS with under two years of qualifying service, you may be entitled to a refund of your NHS pension contributions.
To begin the process, contact NHS Pensions or download the relevant refund form from their website. You must supply proof of identity together with documentation confirming your dates of employment. This option does not apply if you’ve transferred your pension or rejoined the scheme later.
Claiming Backdated NHS Pension Payments
In some cases, you may still claim NHS pension benefits if you became eligible previously but did not apply promptly.
This may include how to claim back NHS pension contributions or correcting a delayed claim. You'll need to provide clear justification for the delay, relevant supporting evidence, and possibly a letter explaining your circumstances. NHS Pensions will review each case individually.
Claiming NHS Pension After Death
If a family member has passed away, you might need to know how to claim deceased NHS pension benefits. This can include survivor pensions, dependants' pensions, or lump sum death benefits.
You must notify NHS Pensions immediately and provide a death certificate, proof of your relationship, and any requested forms. The process can vary depending on whether the person was retired, active, or deferred.
Compensation for Pension Transfer Advice
If you were given poor financial advice that led to an NHS pension transfer, you may have the right to claim compensation for bad advice move NHS pension.
In this case, you’ll need to raise a complaint with the adviser or firm involved, or escalate the issue to the Financial Ombudsman Service. NHS Pensions is not responsible for compensating private financial advice outcomes.
How to Claim NHS Pension Online and Get Help If You Need It
If you're a deferred member, you may be able to complete the AW8P form online using the Claim My NHS Pension digital service. Although still in development, it simplifies how to claim your NHS pension online, allowing you to submit everything electronically.
Visit the official site: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-pensions. For enquiries, consult the 24/7 knowledge base at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/AskUs, or call the member helpline on 0300 330 1346. Whether you’re active or deferred, you’ll find direct support if anything is unclear during your pension application.