Pensions in payment
Getting paid a pension
Frequently asked questions about getting paid a pension
What happens if I move overseas?
I’ve received a letter about Western Union annual pension verification, what should I do?
What’s Contracted Out Pension Equivalent (COPE)?
What happens if I change my address?
How do I change my bank or building society details?
I’ve a question about the income tax I’m paying
What happens to my tax when I start taking payment of my State Pension?
What happens if I go back to work?
What happens if I die?
Where can I see my payslips and P60s?
I’ve got a Power of Attorney, what do you need to see?
I haven’t received my pension payment this month?
Can I transfer my pension once it’s in payment?
Can I take an additional lump sum from my pension once it’s in payment?
How can I get a proof of income?
If you still have questions after reading the information provide on the Member Section of our website and in the Help Hub, visit the Contact Us section.
The rate of pension increase for April 2021 is 0.5%. If you’ve retired within the last 12 months you’ll receive a part increase.
You’ll only receive an increase each April if you:
- are aged 55 or over, or
- retired on ill health grounds, or
- are receiving a widow's, widowers, surviving partner or child's pension.
What is Contracted Out Pension Equivalent (COPE)
Contracted Out Pension Equivalent (COPE) is part of the benefits already in payment and no additional amount will be paid in respect of it.
The additional State Pension (previously known as State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) and State Second pension (S2P)). It was introduced in 1978 with the aim of providing everyone with an earnings related pension. This was because there was a division between those who had access to an occupational pension scheme and those who had to rely on the state pension. If employers “contracted out” and promised to pay a Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) both employer and employee paid National Insurance at a lower contracted-out rate. Most public sector defined benefit schemes contracted out.
The new single tier State Pension was introduced in April 2016. For members who reach State Pension Age after that date, it compares entitlement under the old and new arrangements to determine a starting amount for your single-tier pension. A deduction is made to take account of any contracted out employment and any Guaranteed Minimum Pension that has been earned. This is expressed as a Contracted-Out Pension Equivalent (COPE) and should be broadly the same as your Guaranteed Minimum Pension.
How do I make a change to my name or marital status?
Please let us know if you change your name or marital status by uploading your certificates via the My Pension Online service. If you’re moving, it’s important to tell us your new address, as we’ll stop pension payments if correspondence is returned when we try to contact you. If you contact us, remember to include your full name, National Insurance number and date of birth so we can locate your record.
What happens if I change my bank or building society details?
The quickest way is to update your bank details is by using the My Pension Online service. Register and log on then choose the 'Your Details' option from the dashboard. You’ll find the bank details screen in this section. We validate all bank changes and to do this we ask you to upload a picture of a bank statement showing your name, address, new sort code and account number to the online document upload. We can’t pay into Post Office Accounts. You can also receive your pension into an overseas bank account. We also accept requests in writing, email or telephone our office. Bank account changes must reach us at least 10 working days before the payment date to be able to make the change in time.
I have a question about the amount of income tax I am paying?
We receive lots of queries about tax codes. Unfortunately, we’re unable to explain why HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has set or amended your tax code. We’re provided with tax codes electronically by HMRC and must apply the tax code advised to us. This means we can’t change your tax code. If you think it’s wrong, contact HM Revenue & Customs on 0300 200 3300 or visit www.gov.uk/incometax and they’ll be able to help. You can also view and query your tax using the HM Revenue & Customs Personal Tax Account online service. Go to www.gov.uk/ personal-tax-account and follow the instructions to register. When you call, you’ll need your National Insurance number and our PAYE reference which is 961 2406394.
What happens to my tax when I take payment of my State Pension?
One reason for a tax code change is when you start receiving your State Pension. The State Pension uses any tax-free Personal Allowance you have first and this may previously have been used for your Fund pension. This can mean you have less tax-free allowance being applied to your Fund pension and so pay more tax on it.
- If you were awarded Compensatory Added Years on retirement and you return to work for an employer covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme, your compensation pension may be reduced or suspended while you are re-employed.
- If you were awarded Compensatory Added Years on Retirement and you return to work for an employer out with the Local Government Pension Scheme, your compensation pension won’t be affected.
Payslips/ P60s
Your payslip and P60s are available to view online. For members not signed up to the My Pension Online service, we send paper payslips and P60s in April, May and where there is a change of more than £10. If you are signed up for the My Pension Online service, you won’t be sent a paper payslipe or P60 but can download and print it or save it to your device.
- To certify the Power of Attorney the person who appointed the attorney (the donor) must write on each page - ‘I certify this is a true and complete copy of the corresponding page of the original lasting power of attorney’
- On the final page, the donor must write - ‘I certify this is a true and complete copy of the lasting power of attorney’
- Each page must be signed and dated.
- Alternatively, a solicitor or public notary can also certify a copy of lasting power of attorney.
- If a certified copy is not possible then you can provide the original Power of Attorney documentation. This are sent at your own risk and we suggest you send this using recorded delivery. We’ll return original certificates by recorded delivery.
Can I take an additional lump sum from my pension once it’s in payment?