Previously a member of the LGPS?
If you re-join the LGPS, you can usually:
- transfer your previous LGPS pension rights to your new membership or
- keep them separate.
Unless you make an election to join your LGPS benefits together, your earlier benefits will remain as separate deferred benefits.
You normally only have 12 months from rejoining the LGPS to opt to transfer your previous LGPS pension rights, unless your employer allows you longer. This is an employer discretion; you can ask your employer what their policy is on this matter.
Transferred membership from the LGPS in England or Wales usually counts on a day for day basis, but transferred membership from the LGPS in Scotland or Northern Ireland may not count on a day for day basis.
There are many things you need to consider before you decide whether to join your benefits together or not. Our booklet Options available if you have previous LGPS benefits[pdf - 155kb]will give you more information on this matter. You may also want to seek independant advice.
