If your previous pension benefits are with LGPS in England or Wales, see – Rejoin LGPS
Who can transfer a pension
If you have previous pension benefits, you may want to transfer them to the LGPS. Transfers must be made within the first 12 months of your LGPS membership in your current employment unless your employer has a published policy to extend this period.
You can transfer pensions into your account as long as you:
- under 75
- pay into the LGPS
You cannot have left your LGPS employment, opted out of the scheme or taken a payment from your pension.
What kind of pensions can be transferred in?
The types of previous pensions you can transfer in include:
- Occupational pensions
- Self-employed pensions
- Personal pensions
- Stakeholder pensions
- Pension 'buy out' policy
Check with your previous pension provider first whether the pension can be transferred.
Although we can accept most types of transfers, there are some circumstances where we will not be able to receive the transfer value.
LGPS regulations do not allow us to accept:
- Transfer of drawn down pension
- Partial pension transfer
- A transfer that includes pension credits awarded under a pension sharing order
- Previous membership in the LGPS as a Councillor
It is free to transfer to the LGPS. However, other pension providers may charge administration or release fees. Ask your previous provider if this would apply in your case.
To investigate a transfer, you will first need to get a transfer estimate from us.
Once you receive the estimate you will then be able to decide whether you want to transfer your previous pension. The estimate will tell you how much your previous pension would be worth in the LGPS. You can then compare this with the benefits you would have received from your previous pension provider.
You are under no obligation to proceed with the transfer at this time. Asking for an estimate does not confirm to us that you wish to proceed. You will need to complete the necessary forms before the transfer can proceed further. We recommend that you get independent financial advice where possible before making any decision about your LGPS pension.
For more information, see: Getting help with decisions about your pension
If you choose to proceed with the transfer, you must return the following information by the deadline stated in the letter:
The completed 'transfer in' form sent to you with the estimate, any forms your previous pension provider has asked you and/or we need to complete and a copy of a current date of birth verification document if you have not already provided it.