NHS Pensions | How to Claim? | Ill Health, Active & Deferred Members

To claim your NHS Pension, you need to complete the AW8 application form and submit it to your employer if you are an active member, or directly to the NHS Pensions if you are a deferred member.

Active members are currently contributing to the NHS Pension Scheme through employment, whereas deferred members have stopped contributing but have benefits preserved in the scheme.

Yes, if you retire due to ill health, you may be eligible for your NHS Pension benefits. You will need to provide medical evidence and apply for ill health retirement.

You will need to complete the application form AW33E or AW38, and provide supporting medical evidence that demonstrates your inability to continue working due to ill health.

The processing time can vary, but it typically takes several months from the date all required documentation is received by NHS Pensions.

You can start receiving your NHS Pension from your normal pension age, or earlier if you meet the criteria for early or ill health retirement.

The normal pension age depends on the section of the NHS Pension Scheme you belong to, but it's usually linked to your state pension age, and could be 60, 65 or in line with the State Pension age.

Yes, deferred members may access their pension benefits before the normal pension age through early retirement, but this may result in a reduced pension amount unless eligible for ill health retirement.

If your application for ill health retirement is denied, you will be notified of the reason and have the right to appeal the decision. It’s advisable to provide further medical evidence if available.

Yes, your NHS Pension may be subject to income tax, based on the amount and any other income you receive. It is important to understand the tax-free lump sum and annual allowance implications.

You can increase benefits by purchasing Additional Pension, contributing to the NHS Money Purchase AVC, or working longer to accrue more benefits in the scheme.

You will need to provide a completed application form (AW8 for active members, AW8P for deferred members), your birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate if applicable, and bank details.

The pension is calculated based on your pensionable earnings and the accrual rate depending on your NHS Pension Scheme section, with considerations for service length and final salary or career average.

Yes, receiving your NHS Pension can potentially affect the amount you receive in means-tested state benefits, so it is important to check how it impacts your overall income.

Yes, you can return to or continue working in the NHS even after starting to receive your pension, but the terms of your appointment might affect your pension payments if pensionable income overlaps.