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Overview
When you're ready to take your NHS Pension, you'll need to apply for it.
You can read the NHS Pension Scheme overview (PDF: 178KB) for details about the different pension schemes you may have pension benefits in.
You should also read the retirement guide (PDF: 4.43MB) before applying for your pension.
What you'll get
Your pension options depend on the type of retirement you take. These include:
Partial retirement
The NHS Pensions Schemes offer flexibilities to help you move from work to retirement.
Partial retirement lets you take some or all your pension benefits while you continue working in the NHS and build your benefits in the 2015 Scheme. This is also known as drawdown.
You can take partial retirement from age 55, or 50 if you have a protected minimum pension age. This is already possible for pension benefits you've earned in the 2008 Section or 2015 Scheme. Since 1 October 2023, this also includes any 1995 Section benefits you have.
From 1 October 2023, the amount of pension benefits you can take through partial retirement changed. You can now take between 20% and 100% of all your pension benefits in one or two drawdown payments, without leaving your current job.
You can find more information on our partial retirement page.
Allocation
If you're in good health, you can choose to give up part of your own pension to provide a pension for someone after you die.
You can nominate:
- a spouse
- a civil partner
- a qualifying partner
- a child
- someone who depends on you for support
You must nominate before you retire and you cannot change this decision later.
Read the Member Allocation factsheet (PDF:129KB) for more information.
You can apply by using the AW8/11A application form (PDF:189KB).
Retirement lump sums
If you have pension benefits in the 1995 Section or you opted to move to the 2008 Section, you'll automatically receive a lump sum when you retire.
If you’re in the 2008 Section or 2015 Scheme, you can ask to take some of your pension as a lump sum.
You can use the pension commutation calculator (Excel: 20.1KB) to work out what you may get if you choose to exchange some of your pension in return for a lump sum on retirement.
If you use the calculator, only input benefit figures provided on your Annual Benefit Statement.
Read the retirement guide (PDF: 4.43MB) for more information.
To learn more about taking small pensions as a lump sum, read our trivial commutation factsheet (PDF: 188KB).
How to apply
When you're planning to retire, you'll need to apply for your NHS pension using the correct application form.
Depending on what type of member you are, you'll need:
Watch this video if you’re an active member:
How to claim NHS Pension retirement benefits - active members video transcript (PDF: 99KB).
For more information you can view our Active member flowchart (PDF: 79KB).
How to complete the AW8 retirement benefits application form:
The following information may also be useful:
Technical terms glossary (Word: 234KB)
Watch this video if you’re a deferred member:
How to claim NHS Pension retirement benefits - deferred members video transcript (PDF: 123KB).
For more information you can view our Deferred member flowchart (PDF: 63KB).
How to complete the AW8P retirement benefits application form:
Bank payment details if you live abroad
Read the bank payments overseas factsheet (PDF: 290KB) before completing the relevant form:
Pension award supporting information
Read the relevant Key Notes for more detailed information about your pension award.
They explain:
- how your benefits have been worked out
- survivor benefits
- retirement lump sums
- pay information
- membership
- pensions increase
- pension sharing or earmarking
You can download the relevant Key Notes for more information:1995 Section (Word: 252KB)2008 Section (Word: 256KB)2015 Scheme (Word: 248KB)