If you paid extra

If you paid extra contributions, they stop when you leave the LGPS. You will benefit from those extra contributions.

If you paid in-house Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)

You cannot continue to pay in-house AVCs after leaving. The value of your AVC fund continues to be invested until it is paid out.

Your AVC plan may be:

  • transferred to another pension arrangement, or
  • taken at the same time as your LGPS benefits.

If you paid Additional Pension Contributions (APCs)

You are credited with the extra pension you paid for at the time of leaving. This increases the value of your deferred benefits or transfer value paid to a new pension arrangement.

If you move to a new employer in the LGPS in England or Wales within 12 months of leaving, you can carry on paying the additional contributions if you:

  • pay to cover the period between leaving and starting your new job, and
  • join your pension rights together.

Contact your new LGPS administrator within 3 months of rejoining to arrange this.

If you paid Additional Regular Contributions (ARCs)

You are credited with the extra pension you paid for at the time of leaving. This increases the value of your deferred benefits or transfer value paid to a new pension arrangement.

If you move to a new employer in the LGPS in England or Wales within 12 months of leaving, you can carry on paying the additional contributions if you:

  • pay to cover the period between leaving and starting your new job, and
  • join your pension rights together.

Contact your new LGPS administrator within 3 months of rejoining to arrange this.

If you were buying extra years in the LGPS (added years)

You are credited with the extra period of membership that you paid for at the time of leaving. This increases the value of your deferred benefits or transfer value paid to a new pension arrangement. The extra benefits are calculated on the same basis that you agreed to buy them.

If you move to a new employer in the LGPS in England or Wales within 12 months of leaving, you can carry on paying the additional contributions if you:

  • pay to cover the period between leaving and starting your new job, and
  • join your pension rights together.

Contact your new LGPS administrator within 3 months of rejoining to arrange this.