What is a deferred pension?

If you leave your job before retirement and you have completed two full years in the scheme, you will be entitled to a deferred benefit in the LGPS.

If you are a deferred member, then your benefits are “preserved”. Your deferred pension will increase each April in line with the cost of living. A death grant will generally be paid if you die as a deferred member. Your partner and children may also receive dependants’ pensions.

Your deferred pension will be held in the LGPS until:

• you choose to take your deferred pension. You can generally take your deferred pension at any time between age 55 and 75. You may be able to take it earlier if you are too ill to work.
• you transfer your deferred benefits to another pension arrangement. See the page on Transferring your pension to find out what you need to know about pension transfers.