• a tax-free lump sum when you retire
  • a pension based on your career average pay
  • the ability to increase your pension by paying additional voluntary contributions
  • voluntary retirement from age 55
  • retirement from age 50 with your council’s consent
  • an ill health pension from any age
  • a death in service lump sum of two times career average pay
  • a spouse's or civil partner’s pension
  • children's pensions
  • index-linked benefits to ensure that they keep pace with inflation.
  • your contributions attract tax relief when they are deducted from your allowances.