Frequently Asked Questions

If you cannot find an appropriate FAQ please feel free to drop us an email with your question and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Where can I find information about the proposed changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme?

Information regarding the changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations can be found on the Local Government Pension Scheme web pages at:
http://www.lgps.org.uk/latest/new-look-scheme-april-2008.html

How do I advise you of my change of address?

If you wish to advise of change of details please fill in the following Form.

How do I obtain a statement of my benefits?

Benefit statements are likely to be distributed to the majority of Scheme contributors on an annual basis by October 2002. Anyone wishing to receive a statement other than the one prepared annually should contact the Pension Section Benefits Team

How do I contact my AVC provider?

If you have "Freestanding AVC''s", in other words an AVC arrangement which you have personally arranged, the contact details will be in your possession. If your AVC has been arranged via the NYPF as an 'In house' AVC arrangement you should contact the Prudential help line.

I paid contributions into the North Yorkshire Pension Fund in a previous employment. How can I find out if I have any benefit entitlements?

You should contact the Pension Section Benefits Team

Can I put lump sums into the Fund?

No - you may be able to buy extra years of service by paying additional regular contributions to the Fund. For further information please write to or email the Benefits Team.

I am a pensioner and I have an inquiry about my pay advice. Who should I contact?

Your pay advice and payments are the responsibility of the North Yorkshire County Council Payroll Manager. Please write, phone or email the Payroll Manager.

I am a teacher and have a query about my pension. Who should I contact?

Teachers contribute to the Teacher Pensions Fund and you should contact their offices.

I have an enquiry about my State pension. Who should I contact?

The North Yorkshire Pension Fund has no responsibility for State pensions. You should contact a Benefits Agency Office.

I would like further information on Stakeholders schemes. Can you provide me with any information?

You should contact an independent financial adviser, or other agency (bank, building society etc.) who will be able to provide you with further details.

What happens to my pension contributions when I leave employment?

Your employer should advise the Pensions Manager that you have left and provide you with an 'Options on Leaving' information sheet. A copy of this information sheet is available for you to read.

When can I take a refund of my contributions?

If you have less than three months total membership and have not brought a transfer value into the LGPS you may take a refund of your contributions less any deductions for tax and the cost of buying you back into the State Second Pension Scheme (S2P).

If you have three months or more but less than 2 years total membership and have not had a transfer of pension rights into the LGPS you can opt for a refund of contributions rather than a preserved benefit if, and only if, you were contributing to the Scheme on 1st April 2004.

If you wish to check your eligibility for a refund you should contact the Benefits Team.

I have a tax query, whom should I contact?

Contact your local tax office.

How do I opt out from the Pension Scheme?

You should read the 'Options on leaving' information. If you still want to opt out, print out the SU40 or SU41 form, complete and return to the Pensions Manager, County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 8AL.

The SU40 is an information only form. The SU41 requires completion, however there is also an SU41A form for completion by employees who have been in the scheme over two years.

What will be the effect of taking a strike break on my pension benefits?

The only effect, in most cases, for pension purposes is that a day will be taken out of the service calculation which will result in a small reduction in pension benefits e.g.

For an employee retiring at 65 with final pay of £15,000:

Reduction on pension
1/365 x £15,000 x 1/80 = 51 pence per year in pension

Reduction on lump sum retirement grant
1/365 x £15,000 x 3/80 = £1.53 of lump sum retirement grant

However if a scheme member is leaving or retiring imminently it may also affect the calculation of final pay.

The scheme member can recover the break by paying 16% in pension contributions for that day. The 16% is a standard amount which includes a sum towards the employer's pension contribution. Any scheme member wanting to pay this amount should contact their employer's Payroll Section or in the case of NYCC employees contact Sue Giffin on 01609 533118.