Police Pension Scheme (PPS)

For most people, the retirement process is likely to take at least two months. So, if you want to avoid any unnecessary delays, it pays to plan ahead. The information on this page will help you get started.

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When can I retire?

As long as you’ve been a member of the scheme for at least two years (known as the vesting period), you may be able to start taking your police pension from the age of 55, or even earlier. But before you make any decisions, it’s important to understand the rules, as they can vary depending on when you joined the scheme.

When can I retire?

As long as you’ve been a member of the scheme for at least two years (known as the vesting period), you may be able to start taking your police pension from the age of 55, or even earlier. But before you make any decisions, it’s important to understand the rules, as they can vary depending on when you joined the scheme.

We’ve put together this page to help you understand your options, guide you through the process and highlight the benefits of getting your application in early.

Normal Pension Age (NPA)

Normal Pension Age (NPA) is the age you can take your full pension without any reductions. This varies depending on when you joined the scheme.

NPA for each Police scheme
2015 Police Pension Scheme (PPS) NPA = age 60 (with the option to retire from 55 with reduced pension) 
2006 New Police Pension Scheme (NPPS) NPA = age 60 (with the option to retire from 55 with reduced pension) 
1987 Police Pension Scheme (PPS) NPA = age 50 with 25 years of membership, 30 calendar years or age 55

Early retirement

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Late retirement

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Ill health retirement

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What are my options (standard retirement)?

Depending on which scheme you joined, your pension benefits may include one or more of the elements below. 

SchemeOptions
PPS 1987Final salary scheme benefits plus an optional tax-free lump sum
PPS 2006Final salary scheme benefits plus automatic tax-free lump sum
PPS 2015CARE scheme benefits  plus an optional tax-free lump sum 
Full details on how your benefits are calculated are also available in the PPS scheme guide, which is available to download on our Forms, documents and scheme information page.

You might also find the FAQ page of the NPCC website useful

Early retirement

Learn more

Late retirement

Learn more

Ill health retirement

Learn more

How are my benefits calculated?

Your Police Pension Scheme (PPS) benefits are worked out based on your pay, your contributions and the date you joined the scheme. They are also adjusted annually to bring them in line with inflation.  

  • The pension is calculated as a proportion of your pensionable pay, based on your final salary in the last year of service.   
  • For each year of pensionable service up to 20 years, your pension is based on 1/60th of your average pensionable pay.  
  • For each year over 20 years, your pension is based on 2/60ths of your average pensionable pay (up to a maximum of 40/60ths).  

For example, 25 years of service would give you 30/60ths of your average pensionable pay. 

  • For any incomplete years each day counts as 1/365th of a year in this calculation.  
  • You can also choose to convert up to 25 per cent of your pension benefits (across all your pension schemes) for a one-off lump sum payment. For every £1 of annual income you give up, you would receive an additional £12 in your lump sum. 
  • The pension is calculated as a proportion of your average pensionable pay [Link], based on your final salary in the last year of service.   
  • For each year of pensionable service, your pension is based on 1/70th of your average pensionable pay (up to a maximum of 35 years).  
  • For any incomplete years each day counts as 1/365th of a year in this calculation. 
  • You receive an automatic lump sum of four times your annual pension. 
  • You can also choose to increase your lump sum up to 25 per cent of your pension benefits (across all your pension schemes) by sacrificing some of your annual pension benefits. For every £1 of annual income you give up, you would receive an additional £12 in your lump sum. 

On 1 April 2015, the PPS became a Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme. 

  • Each year, 1/55th of your pensionable pay is added to your pension account.  
  • The balance in your pension account is adjusted annually to match inflation.  
  • You are not entitled to an automatic lump sum, but you have the option of converting up to 25 per cent of your pension benefits (across all your pension schemes) into a tax-free lump sum. For every £1 of annual income you give up, you would receive £12 in your lump sum. 

Please note

If your pension benefits are affected by the age discrimination remedy (McCloud) judgement, your benefits will be recalculated and we will contact you directly with your options. 

For more information, please visit our dedicated remedy page

How do I retire?

Follow the steps below to find out how you can retire.

Frequently asked questions

For more information on planning your retirement and your pension finances, visit the LPPA HelpHub

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