Pensions in Wales

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Welcome to the NASUWT's Pensions section of the website for Wales.

You are automatically entered into the Teachers' Pension Scheme (new window) if you are a teacher in eligible employment between the ages of 18 and 75. The Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) is a contributory, defined benefit ‘final salary’ scheme administered by Teachers’ Pension (TP) for the DCSF. It is one of the most important and valuable benefits available to teachers.

The TPS is contracted-out of the State Second Pension (S2P) and guarantees to pay benefits which are at least as high as those the state would pay. Although you will be contracted out of S2P you will receive a Basic State Pension in addition to your teacher’s pension.

You can opt out of the teachers’ Scheme in order to make your own pension arrangements but you should think very carefully about the valuable benefits of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme before doing so.

If you need general information about the Teachers' Pension Scheme, the most comprehensive source is the Teachers' Pensions website (new window).

Following a Review of the Scheme in 2006, agreement was reached between Government, employers and the NASUWT and other teacher unions on a number of changes to the scheme with effect from 1 January 2007, including a new benefit structure for new entrants. For details of the changes visit the Your Teachers' Pension Scheme is changing (new window) section of the Teachers' Pensions website or the Changes to the Teachers' Pensions section on this website.

Independent financial guidance prepared for NASUWT members on Adding to your Pension relates to adding to your teachers’ occupational pension benefits.

Independent financial guidance on options for those already contributing to the teachers’ additional voluntary contribution scheme is also provided in the publication Options for those currently contributing to the Prudential AVC facility: independent financial guidance.

The NASUWT also produce advice to members on Protecting your pension when leaving teaching.

Local Government Pension Scheme

If you are a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme (new window) (LGPS) in Wales the LGPS provide details of the provisions and benefits (new window) available.

State Pension Benefits

If you need information about your State Pension Benefits (new window), including an On-line Pensions Forecast (new window) of your State Pension, the most reliable source is the Pensions Service (new window) website.

There is a whole range of help and advice on state pensions and other state benefits available in the UK on the Department for Work and Pensions (new window) website.