Frequently asked questions for pensioner members

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I view my P60 and payslips each month?

Your P60 and payslips are available through your online mypension account. If you have not already activated your account, you can do so on our 'Member Registration' page

How do I change my bank account?

You can:-

In all cases, please ensure you provide the account name, account number, sort code and the name of the bank or building society.

Can I have my pension paid into an overseas account?

Yes, we can pay your pension into an overseas account directly through Convera Ltd. To have your pension paid overseas you will need to complete a bank mandate form and send it to us. The form can be found on the 'If you live abroad' page.

Why has my tax code changed?

HMRC lets us when your tax code needs to be updated. They do not tell us the reason, and we are unable to change it unless they send us a new code. If you do have a tax code query you will need to contact HMRC on 0300 200 3300. If your code is incorrect, they will provide us with the correct code. We cannot change your tax code unless a new code has been received from HMRC.

Why has my monthly pension amount gone down?

You may have had a change in tax code. You can check your payslips in your mypension account to see how much tax has been deducted. If you do have a tax code query you will need to contact HMRC on 0300 200 3300. If your code is incorrect, they will provide us with the correct code. We cannot change your tax code unless a new code has been received from HMRC.

How is the pensions increase decided?

The pensions increase is set by HM Treasury, part of the Government, and is in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), also known as the 'Cost of Living Increase.' The increase is usually determined each September.

Why does my April payment not include the full increase?

The pensions increase of 10.1% is applied to your monthly pension from 10 April 2023. Your April 2023 pension payment will include a partial increase, with the full increase showing in your May 2023 pension payment.

Why can't my pension be paid into my bank account on 16th if it is a weekend or bank holiday?

Pension payments are made to member's bank accounts by BACs, which can only credit an account between Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.

 

What happens to my pension if I die?

The LGPS provides valuable life cover and financial protection for your family. Your dependents will be paid a pension and if you are under the age 75, a lump sum death grant may also be payable depending on how long you have been receiving your pension. For further information about the protection for your family, please watch the video on the National LGPS Website

How do I make a death grant nomination?

You can make a Death Grant Nomination via our online service mypension, or the form is available in the 'Scheme Booklets and Forms' page.

What is a Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP)?

A: You may have a GMP if you reached State pension age before 6 April 2016 and you paid into the LGPS between 6 April 1978 and 5 April 1997. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) was contracted out of State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS). This means that if you paid in to the LGPS between 6 April 1978 and 5 April 1997 the LGPS must pay you a GMP based on the state entitlement you would have earned if you were in SERPS at the time. In most cases your LGPS pension is higher than your GMP. With effect from 6 April 1997, GMPs no longer accrued. The GMP is paid as part of your Local Government pension, not in addition.

How is pension increase paid on my Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP)?

Tyne and Wear Pension Fund is responsible for paying up to 3% increase on the GMP element of your pension between 6 April 1988 and 5 April 1997, with your Local Government Pension.

The Government is responsible for paying the full increase on the GMP element up to 5 April 1988, and any amount outstanding above the 3% paid by Tyne and Wear Pension Fund for the period 6 April 1988 to 5 April 1997, with your state pension.

This year the increase is 10.1% (over the 3% threshold) so we will pay 3% of the increase on the GMP element between 6 April 1988 and 5 April 1997 with your Local Government pension. The Government will pay the difference of 7.1% on the GMP element up to 5 April 1988 with your State pension.