Deferred members
When can I claim my pension?
The normal retirement age for the scheme is 65.
You may claim your pension anytime from age 55 (age 50 in some cases) but your pension will be subject to an actuarial reduction if taken before age 65.
How do I claim my pension?
Please contact us confirming when you would like to take your pension and they will arrange to send you a pension illustration. Instructions on how to claim your pension will be included with your pension illustration.
How long will it be before I get my benefits?
The process for authorising and starting pension payments normally takes around two months. It may take longer if we need further information from you - for example, details of retained benefits (see below).
What are retained benefits?
These are benefits you may have in other pension arrangements. Your MEP benefits may be restricted if you have retained benefits.
Who pays my pension?
When we receive your pension claim forms, they will pass your details to Capita Pensions Solution Limited.
What happens to my pension if I die before I take my pension?
We ask that a family member, personal representative or your solicitor advise us as soon as practicable. We will then confirm what documentation is needed to register your death and confirm what benefits are payable.
Your widow, widower or nominated partner and/or eligible child/children may be entitled to a pension.
Can I transfer my benefits to another scheme?
Your benefits can generally be transferred to another defined benefit scheme, subject to certain conditions.
We are unable to transfer your pension to a defined contribution scheme, which allows access to flexible benefits.
Is there a time limit?
You can apply to transfer to another scheme within 6 months of leaving the scheme, or before your 64th birthday, whichever is later.
How long does the transfer process take?
Because several parties are involved in this process, it may take several weeks or months to complete. Transfer quotes are only valid for 3 months, so it is important that you complete the necessary forms in good time.
Can I change my mind at any stage about my transfer request?
You can cancel the transfer at any time before you complete the formal application for the transfer payment. Once that has happened and a payment has been sent to the other scheme, the process is complete and you will no longer be able to change your mind.
What are pension scams?
Fraudsters may approach you with attractive offers available if you transfer your funds. Anyone can become a victim of these scams - they may seem legitimate. Read the Pensions Regulator guidance on how to spot/avoid scams.
How do I get an estimate of my benefits for my divorce proceedings?
Please contact us who will be able to provide the information required.
Who should I inform if my address or personal details have changed?
Please contact us as soon as possible if the following details have changed; your address, marital/civil partnership status, gender reassignment.
This will help us to keep you informed and make sure any illustrations we provide are correct.
How do I make a complaint?
You should contact us if you have any concerns about your pension or the administration service. They will aim to resolve matters and give you a substantive response within 20 days.
You can also use the statutory internal dispute resolution procedures (IDR).This is a formal two-stage process - We will investigate your complaint and give you a first stage decision. If you disagree with their decision, you can ask the Cabinet Office to review your case and make a second stage decision. If you still dispute the position after that, you can ask the Pensions Ombudsman to consider your appeal. Find out more about the IDR process.
Pensioner members
Who should I inform if my address or personal details have changed?
Please contact Capita Pensions Solutions Limited as soon as possible if the following details have changed; your address, marital/civil partnership status, gender reassignment.
What happens if I die after I’ve taken my pension?
Your widow, widower, civil partner or nominated partner and/or eligible child/children may be entitled to a pension.
To find out what benefits may be due, and how to claim them, we ask that a family member, personal representative or your solicitor advise XPS as soon as practicable. XPS will arrange for us to send details of what benefits are payable, together with the appropriate claim form(s). On return of the completed claim form(s) and other relevant documents,we will pass them to Capita Pensions Solutions Limited and ask them to start paying benefits.
When will I get my P60?
Capita Pensions Solutions Limited will provide you with a monthly payslip and a P60 following the end of the financial year.
The P60 will generally be issued no later than 31st May following the end of the tax year however if you have not received your P60 please contact Capita Pensions Solutions Limited.
How do I get my pension valued for my divorce proceedings?
Please contact Capita Pensions Solutions Limited who will ask us o provide the information you need.
Can I have my pension paid into an overseas bank account?
Please contact Capita Pensions Solutions Limited in respect of how your pension can be paid.
I need to change my bank account details, who do I contact?
Please contact Capita Pensions Solutions Limited who will be able to take your instructions.
Additional Voluntary Contribution Scheme members
What about my Added Voluntary Contribution Fund (AVCs)?
If you have an AVC fund, you can claim it at the same time as your pension. You do not have to claim it then, but you must claim it before your 75th birthday. We will ask the AVC provider for annuity quotes and forward them to you with the relevant claim forms. They will then send the forms back to the provider to set up the annuity for you.
What happens to my AVC fund if I die?
A lump sum (that includes a refund of contributions) may be paid to one or more of the following:
an individual you have nominated in writing;
your dependants, children, parents, grandparents or descendants of any of those; or
Your personal representative.
The scheme managers have absolute discretion to decide who shall receive a lump sum, and how much it will be.
General & contact details
How do I contact IPSA?
To contact IPSA, visit their website
How do I contact you?
See the Contact us page.
Alternatively you can email us and provide some personal information including your National Insurance number and/or member number, along with other details you may be asked to confirm.
When contacting us please confirm that you are a member of the European Parliament Pension Scheme (or MEP UK Scheme)
How do I contact the Cabinet Office?
Please email scheme.managementexecutive@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
When contacting the Cabinet Office, please confirm that you are a member of the European Parliament Pension Scheme (or MEP UK Scheme).
How do I contact the scheme managers?
Please email your comments to the Cabinet Office at scheme.managementexecutive@cabinetoffice.gov.uk who will put you in touch with them.
