FAQs for Deferred Members

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What is my policy/reference number?

Your reference number is your National Insurance number.

Where can I find my most recent Annual Benefit Statement?

Registered users can view their most recent Annual Benefit Statement in your secure 'MyPension' online account here

If you have not already registered for 'MyPension', you can do so here

The Fund no longer posts Annual Benefit Statements unless requested in writing, please write to us to request this.

How do I retire in the next 6 months and see the value of my pension?

Registered users can view their most recent Annual Benefit Statement in their secure 'MyPension' online account here
 
If you have not already registered for 'MyPension', you can do so here
 
As a ‘MyPension’ user you can use the benefit projector to get an instant pension quotation. Please choose pension benefits and elect for the benefit projector and deferred pension payment option. You can enter your preferred retirement date (subject to the date being between age 55 and 75) and recalculate the lump sum and annual pension payable. The figures shown are after any actuarial reductions. You can use the minimum and maximum adjustable sliders to convert pension to additional lump sum.
 
If you wish to proceed with the payment, please begin a payment request. This request will be immediately registered with The Benefits Section, and you will be contacted to complete some additional forms which will enable payment.
 
For any additional queries please email: mpfadmin@wirral.gov.uk
 
Please Note:
The Government has announced that the earliest age you can take your pension will increase from age 55 to 57 with effect from 6 April 2028. This does not apply if you have to take your pension early due to ill health.
You may retain some protected rights if you joined the LGPS in England and Wales before 4th November 2021. The regulations surrounding these potential protections have yet to be confirmed.

What is the 85-year rule?

If you were a member of the LGPS at any time between 1 April 1998 and 30 September 2006, you may be protected under the 85-year rule.

You satisfy the 85-year rule when your age and length of LGPS membership add up to 85. Your age and Scheme membership are both measured in full years for this purpose. If you work part time, your membership counts towards the 85-year rule at its full calendar length.

You can read more information about the 85-year rule here

I have received my pension estimate – how do I retire and access my pension?

If you have registered for MyPension, the Pension Fund will issue you a Retirement Claim Form to complete and return.

If you have not registered, the Pension Fund will send a pension quotation to your home address along with the necessary paperwork.

We encourage all members to use MyPension as it speeds up the retirement process and ensures payment reaches your account more quickly.

Can I draw down a lump sum from my benefits and access the rest of my pension at a later date?

No, the LGPS is a Defined Benefit pension scheme which has less flexibility than a Defined Contribution pension scheme.

You normally receive an annual pension alongside any lump sum you elect to receive.

Can I access my deferred benefits early on grounds of ill health?

To qualify for ill health retirement you would need to be first medically assessed by an independent registered medical practitioner. Your former LGPS employer will be able to set this process up for you.

Should you be granted ill health retirement your former employer will notify the Benefits Team at Merseyside Pension Fund.

What death benefits are payable in the LGPS?

The LGPS provides valuable life cover and financial protection for your family. Your dependents will be paid a pension. A lump sum death grant may also be payable.

You can read more information about death benefits here