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For members of the Local Government Pension Scheme in England and Wales

Frequently asked questions

A list of questions on popular topics. This is where you will find information about death benefits, the McCloud court case and pensions and divorce.

About your pension

  • Will my pension account increase?

    Every April that you are paying into the LGPS your pension account is adjusted to take into account the cost of living. The amount in your pension account could reduce if the cost of living falls.

    The cost of living adjustments for each Scheme year since the LGPS career average scheme was introduced in 2014 are:

    • April 2015: 1.2%
    • April 2016: -0.1%
    • April 2017: 1.0%
    • April 2018: 3.0%
    • April 2019: 2.4%
    • April 2020: 1.7%
    • April 2021: 0.5%
    • April 2022: 3.1%
    • April 2023: 10.1%
    • April 2024: 6.7%

    See How your pension is worked out for more information.

  • Will my LGPS pension be affected if State Pension age changes?

    The Normal Pension Age in the LGPS is linked to State Pension age. If your State Pension age changes in the future, this would change your Normal Pension Age in the LGPS. This would apply to the pension you have built up in the Scheme after 31 March 2014. The age that you can take your pension without any reduction for early payment would change.

    If you were a member of the LGPS before April 2014, then you have membership in the final salary scheme. These benefits have a different Normal Pension Age, which is age 65 for most members. You can find out more about the Normal Pension Age in the LGPS on the Taking your pension page.

    If you are unsure, you can use a calculator to Check your State Pension age - This link opens in a new browser window.

    If your State Pension age changes after you take your LGPS pension, this will not change the amount of pension that you receive.

  • Is my pension affected by uncertainty in the financial markets?

    No. The LGPS is a defined benefit pension scheme which means your pension is based on your salary and how long you pay into the Scheme. Your pension is not affected by how well investments perform. The LGPS provides you with a secure and guaranteed income every year when you stop working.


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