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This page was last updated on 7 April 2026. We will usually update this page on a monthly basis.
Payments
| Payments | Target processing times |
|---|---|
| Payment of your retirement benefits | We aim to pay your first pension within 30 calendar days of your retirement date, provided we have all the information we need from you and your employer. The 30-day period begins once we have everything required to process your application We are currently processing a high volume of cases. In March 2026, 97% of new pension claims were paid within the 30 day target. Claims not paid within this timeframe were, on average, paid 21 days late. Some cases took longer. We are working hard to reduce delays and appreciate your patience at this time. |
| Payment of your ill health retirement benefits | We aim to pay ill health retirement benefits within 20 working days from the date of your retirement, or from the date we received all information required to process your application. In March 2026, our average processing time, from an application being logged as payable on our system and all information being available to payment being issued, was 23 calendar days. Some cases took longer. We continue to prioritise and pay Serious Ill Health benefits as a matter of urgency. |
| Payment of bereavement benefits - Death in service lump sum, survivor pension, dependent child pension | We aim to pay bereavement benefits within 30 calendar days from the date we received all information required. In March 2026, bereavement benefits were paid on average within 30 calendar days from the date we receive all information required. |
| Refund of your contributions after opting out of the NHS Pension Scheme | Within 1 calendar month of receipt of your application. We are currently processing a high volume of complex cases, and these cases are taking longer to process. We are working hard to reduce delays and appreciate your patience. |
Estimates
| Estimates | Target processing times |
|---|---|
| Receiving your Estimate | Within 40 working days of receipt of your request. |
Your Annual Benefit Statement for 2024-25 should now be available. You can access this using the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) or via My NHS Pension.
Invitation to My NHS Pension not received
If you have not received your invitation to My NHS Pension, you can request one using our online form.
From the form, you need to:
- choose the ‘member’ option
- select 'The My NHS Pension portal'
- select 'I did not get an invitation to My NHS Pension'
The invitation contains your unique registration codes for My NHS Pension.
Transfers
| Transfers in and out of the NHS Pension Scheme | Target processing times |
|---|---|
| Receiving your transfer in estimate | Within 2 calendar months of the receipt of your request. |
| Transfer in completion | Within 2 calendar months of receiving payment from the old scheme. |
| Receiving your transfer out CETV | Within 3 calendar months of the receipt of your request. |
| Transfer out completion | Within 6 calendar months of the receipt of your agreement to proceed with your application. |
Other service areas
| Other service areas | Target processing times |
|---|---|
| Pensions On Divorce - Receiving your Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) | We aim to resolve this within 3 calendar months from the date we receive all completed forms required. We are currently processing a high volume of complex cases, and these cases are taking longer to process. We are working hard to reduce delays and appreciate your patience. If you need your CETV urgently due to an upcoming court date, contact us with evidence of your court date at: [email protected]. |
| Nomination completion | Within 15 working days of receipt of your request. If registered, you can update your nominations using My NHS Pension. For more information on registering, visit our My NHS Pension webpage. |
| Additional Pension Application | We aim to resolve your request within 20 working days of receipt. The new Additional Pension Calculator is now available: Additional Pension Calculator. We are currently processing a high volume of complex cases, and these cases are taking longer to process. We are working hard to reduce delays and appreciate your patience. |
| Early Retirement Reduction Buy Out (ERRBO) Application | Within 20 working days of the receipt of your agreement to proceed with your application. |
(Including missing service, MHO, special class, service statements) | We aim to resolve your request within 30 working days. |
In some circumstances, it may take our teams longer to resolve your request. This could be because:
- your pension record and membership history may be complex
- we need more information from yourself or your employer
- you're affected by the Public Service Pensions Remedy (McCloud)