When you can retire depends on which scheme you’re part of.
Normal Pension Age (NPA)
NPA is the age at which you can take your pension in full without reduction.
If you take your pension at your NPA, your last day of service is the day before that date. Your benefits are paid from your birthday.
1995 Section
NPA is 60.
If you have Special Class (SC) or Mental Health Officer (MHO) status, NPA is 55.
2008 Section
NPA is 65.
2015 Scheme
NPA is your State Pension Age or age 65 if this is later.
Minimum Pension Age
Depending on when you contributed to the scheme you may be able to take early retirement and claim your pension before your NPA at a reduced rate. The earliest you can take your pension is known as your Minimum Pension Age.
1995 Section
If you left the NHS Pension Scheme before 31 March 2000 you do not have the option to take early retirement.
If you had membership between 31 March 2000 and 5 April 2006, your Minimum Pension Age is 50.
If your membership started on or after 6 April 2006, your Minimum Pension Age is 55.
If your membership in the 1995 Section is deferred and you returned and joined the 2008 Section, your Minimum Pension Age is 55.
2008 Section and 2015 Scheme
Minimum Pension Age is 55.
Annual Leave
Outstanding annual leave will extend your last day of service. If the remainder of the leave is not whole days, the amount is rounded up to the next whole day.
Any return to work restrictions will start once the annual leave has been used.
Payment when you retire
You can retire and have your pension benefits go into payment on any day of the week including the weekend or a bank holiday.