You can join the NHS Pension Scheme if you’re aged between 16 and 75 and either:
- directly employed by the NHS
- a medical, dental or ophthalmic practitioner or trainee
- general medical practice staff
- non-general practice providers
- freelance locum medical practitioners
You may be eligible to join if you’re working for approved employers outside of the NHS. Contact your employer to check if you’re eligible to join.
Self-employed members of bank staff and trust board non-executive members cannot join the Scheme.
Employed on a work visa
You're entitled to pension benefits while working for the NHS in the same way as any other member.
Seconded or sponsored by the NHS
If you’re employed during training and have an employment contract, you’re eligible to join the Scheme.
You cannot join the Scheme if either:
- you’re receiving a student bursary and are not employed by an employing authority (EA)
- you’re on a training course and receiving a training allowance
If you’re not sure about your entitlement to join the Scheme, contact us with a copy of your contract and job description.
Limited company
To be eligible to join the Scheme as a limited company, your company must qualify under regulations as an EA.
If you’re a general practitioner (GP) or a GP provider, you must hold one of the following contracts:
- general medical services (GMS)
- personal medical services (PMS)
- alternative provider medical services (APMS)
- specialist provider medical services (SPMS)
If you’re a GP locum, you cannot join the Scheme as a limited company. You can pay pension contributions on other NHS work you’re doing.