The National Health Service Pension Scheme Regulations 1995

Preserved pension

L1.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), a member who leaves pensionable employment before age 60 without becoming entitled to a pension under any of regulations E1 to E5 shall be entitled to receive a pension and retirement lump sum under this regulation from age 60 if—

(a)the member leaves with at least 2 years' qualifying service, or

(b)a transfer payment has been made to the scheme in respect of the member’s rights under a personal pension scheme.

(2) The pension under this regulation will be calculated as described in regulation E1 (normal retirement pension) and the retirement lump sum will be calculated as described in regulation E6.

(3) The member shall be entitled to receive the pension and retirement lump sum before age 60 if—

(a)the member is in NHS employment and the Secretary of State is satisfied that the member is suffering from mental or physical infirmity that makes him permanently incapable of efficiently discharging the duties of that employment;

(b)the Secretary of State is satisfied that the member is suffering from mental or physical infirmity that makes him permanently incapable of engaging in regular employment; or

(c)some other pension becomes payable to the member under any of regulations E1 to E5.

(4) If the member is in NHS employment (whether with the same or another employing authority) when he reaches age 60, the pension and lump sum on retirement will not become payable until the member leaves NHS employment or reaches age 70, whichever is the earlier.

(5) Subject to paragraph (6), where on or after the coming into force of these Regulations a member becomes entitled to a pension under paragraph (3)(a) or (b), the Secretary of State may discharge her liability for that pension by the payment of a lump sum.

(6) A lump sum payment under paragraph (5) may be made only if the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is appropriate in all the circumstances having regard to the life expectancy of the member and the member was in pensionable employment on or after the coming into force of these Regulations.

(7) For the purpose of paragraph (6), the Secretary of State may require whatever medical evidence that she considers necessary.

(8) The amount of the lump sum payable under paragraph (5) will be equal to 5 times the difference between the yearly rate of the member’s pension (calculated in accordance with this regulation) and the yearly rate of the member’s guaranteed minimum pension or, if lower, twice the member’s final year’s pensionable pay (less the member’s lump sum on retirement payable under this regulation) and shall be payable in addition to the lump sum on retirement payable under this regulation, which shall not be subject to any reduction such as is described in regulation E6(3).