If you want to transfer pension benefits out of the NHS Pension Scheme, the transfer must be completed and the transfer value payment made before you reach your Normal Pension Age (NPA).
The completed option forms and any further information we need to complete the transfer, must be returned no later than one month before you reach NPA.
For the transfer to be completed on Club terms:
- your new scheme must be part of the Public Sector Transfer Club
- you must choose to proceed with the transfer within 12 months of joining your new scheme.
Contact your new scheme if you’re unsure if they’re part of the Public Sector Transfer Club.
Less than 2 years membership
If you have less than 2 years membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, you must:
- join a new pension provider within 12 months of leaving the NHS Pension Scheme
- apply for a transfer within 12 months of joining your new scheme or before your NPA, whichever is earlier.
This applies if you wish to transfer your benefits from NHS England to NHS Scotland or Northern Ireland.
If you left the NHS Pension Scheme after 5 April 1988
You may be able to transfer your pension benefits into another pension scheme.
If you left the NHS Pension Scheme before 5 April 1988
If you have less than 5 years qualifying membership, you cannot transfer your membership into another pension scheme. You must apply for a refund of your pension contributions.
If you left the NHS Pension Scheme before 1 January 1986
You can only transfer your benefits to another occupational pension scheme. You must request this within 12 months of joining your new pension provider.
Special Class (SC) or Mental Health Officer (MHO) status
If you left the NHS Pension Scheme before your NPA of 55, your benefits are deferred. You can request a transfer up to age 60.
If you left the NHS Pension Scheme from age 55, a transfer is not possible as you’re eligible for retirement benefits.
If you’re made redundant before age 50, your NPA is age 55.
Pension Credit member
You cannot transfer Pension Credits benefits to another pension provider.
Read more information on transferring out of the NHS Pension Scheme on our website.