Following these steps will help make sure members receive the correct pension payments on time and reduce queries and delays.
This guide sets out the key actions for Employment Authorities (EAs) to complete before submitting a Partial Retirement (PR) application.
Before submission:
Select the correct Pensions Online (POL) code on the AW8 form
On the AW8 form, select 'Partial Retirement (age/VER)’. This makes sure your application goes to the correct place and the member receives the right awards.
Do not use standard age or Voluntary Retirement (VR) codes.
Make sure payable dates match exactly
The payable date on the AW8 form and Partial Retirement Supplementary form must be the same. Dates that don’t match can cause delays in processing applications.
Provide total pensionable pay (TPP) figures and hours for the correct period
On the Partial Retirement Supplementary form, include TPP figures and hours worked (where required) from 1 April up to the day before the payable date. Accurate figures support correct benefit calculations first time. Getting these right helps us calculate benefits correctly.
Update the member’s employment record before submission
Before you submit the application, check the EA employment record is up to date, including hours, contributions and TPP figures. This will allow us to process the application without needing to come back to you for additional information.
Provide TPPs and hours for every relevant employment
If the member works in more than one part-time post, include TPP and hours for each employment.
If an employment is not relevant to the PR (for example, a bank post), give a clear reason explaining why or close that employment record beforehand to help us process the application faster.
Coordinate where two EAs employ the member
If the member works for two different EAs, they must make sure both employers are aware of the PR application. Only one will submit the AW8, but we may need information from both employers.
Always submit the Partial Retirement Supplementary form with the AW8
Always send the Partial Retirement Supplementary form alongside the AW8. Having both together means we can start processing the application straight away.
Provide requested TPP and hours data directly
NHS Pensions cannot access EA payroll systems, therefore any TPP or hours information we request must be supplied by the EA.
1995 Scheme claims – include three years of TPPs
For members in the 1995 Scheme, please include TPP figures for the last three years up to the payable date. This helps us update records and calculate benefits without delay.
Quick checklist:
- AW8 form shows 'Partial Retirement (age/VER)' as the POL code
- the payable date is the same on the AW8 and Partial Retirement Supplementary form
- TPP figures and hours cover from 1 April to the day before payable date
- employment record is up to date
- TPP and hours included for all relevant employments
- Partial Retirement Supplementary form included with the AW8
- 1995 Scheme members: three years of TPP figures included
A complete, accurate submission helps us get the right pension to the member on time and means less back-and-forth for you. Thank you for taking the time to get this right.