How your work can shape the pension questions
Civil-service pension terms can depend on the original entry date, whether the person is a new entrant or Single Scheme member, and any breaks or transfers. A career-average Single Scheme benefit is built differently from a pre-existing final-salary arrangement.
Pension benefits and arrangements to identify
Identify the precise scheme and retirement-age terms before estimating a benefit. Review annual benefit statements, preserved public-service benefits, transferred service, purchased service and AVCs. Cost-neutral early retirement, where available, involves reduced benefits and requires an individual quotation.
| Decision area | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Scheme cohort | Which scheme and retirement-age rules apply to the employment history? |
| Service | Are transferred, part-time and previous public-service periods recorded? |
| Early retirement | What reduction would apply at the proposed date? |
| AVCs | What gap remains after projected scheme and State Pension income? |
Documents to gather before a review
A useful review starts with evidence, not assumptions.
- Latest annual benefit statement and relevant scheme booklet.
- Original entry date and complete civil/public-service history.
- Records of purchased or transferred service.
- AVC statements and intended retirement date.
How an advisor can help
An advisor can interpret the benefit statement in the wider financial plan, model income gaps and AVC strategies and coordinate other pensions and savings. The relevant authority or HR team must confirm service, scheme membership and the official benefit quotation.
What the review should produce
Ask for a clear record of the pensions included, benefits that could be lost, all product and advice charges, the assumptions used, the recommended contribution or retirement strategy and the next review date. A personal recommendation should follow a full fact-find and suitability assessment.
Last reviewed: 21 September 2026. Rules depend on your circumstances.
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