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Applications for Protection of Pay (where pay is reduced)

This is a further reminder for employers to ensure that any applications for Protection of Pay or Voluntary Protection of Pay are submitted to NHS Pensions within the relevant time limits. Also, that sufficient, supporting information is included with your application to enable our consideration.

We cannot guarantee acceptance of applications which are late or do not include sufficient information about the reasons for the reduction in pay.  

Applications must be made via the forms SMR9 and SMR9EA. View forms SMR9, SMR9EA and the accompanying factsheet

The time limits for applications are:

  • Protection of Pay (through no fault of the member) – applications must be submitted to us within three months of the reduction in pay.
  • Voluntary Protection of Pay - applications must be submitted to us after 12 months but within 15 months of the reduction in pay.

It's essential that you provide detailed reasons for the reduction in pay and these should always be supported by documentary evidence wherever possible. This will also help to avoid unnecessary follow up enquiries.