Leaving the pension scheme before pension age

If you leave the Civil Service Pension Scheme before the retirement age for your pension scheme, there are a number of options available to you.

If you leave your job in the Civil Service or opt out of the pension scheme before your pension age, you do not need to do anything. Your employer will tell us and we will write to you with your options. 

Service when leaving the scheme

Leaving with less than 1 month’s service

You will automatically receive a refund of any contributions you’ve paid. This will be paid by your employer.

Contributions paid by your employer will not be refunded.

Leaving with more than 1 month's service but less than 3 months

Your employer will tell us that you have left service within 4- 6 weeks of the final contributions being paid. 

We will review your records and contact your employer within 20 working days to arrange for them to pay any refund of contributions due.

Contributions paid by your employer will not be refunded.

Leaving with more than 3 months but less than 2 years’ service

Your employer will tell us that you have left service within 4 - 6 weeks of the last contributions being paid and we will send you your options.

You have the option of either:

  • a refund of the contributions you have paid, or
  • a transfer out to another pension provider
  • Complete, sign and return your options form to us.

If you choose a refund, you should receive it within 20 working days of us receiving your completed options form.

Contributions paid by your employer will not be refunded.

Leaving with 2 or more years’ service

Your employer will tell us that you have left service and we will send you your options.

You have the option of either:

Preserved pensions will have cost of living increases, known as pensions increase, added each year until you retire. To request a Benefit Statement, contact us.

Transferring your pension out to another provider

If you leave employment in the Civil Service, you can request to transfer your Civil Service pension out to another pension provider. 

Find out more about transferring your pension out to another provider

Protecting your pension

Your pension is one of your most valuable financial assets, which makes it a target for scammers. We have a track-record of combating and preventing pension fraud, but it's important that our members know how to spot the signs. 

Before leaving the scheme, please make sure you've read our guide to Pension Fraud, including how to spot and avoid it, to ensure you aren't at risk of fraudulent activity. 

Find out more about Pension Fraud
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