The Teachers' Pension Scheme is a contributory scheme administered by Teachers' Pensions (TP) on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE).
All qualified and unqualified teachers are eligible to join the Teachers' Pension Scheme.
The amount of pension contributions you pay will vary dependant on your earnings. Further details can be found via the Teachers Pensions website www.teacherspensions.co.uk.
All Teachers are automatically entered into the Teachers Pension Scheme and deductions made in accordance with the provisions of the Teachers' Superannuation Regulations unless they have previously opted out.
Employment is pensionable up to the age of 75. Retired teachers who undertake further employment will automatically be entered into the scheme.
All teachers should check their payslips to ensure that pension contributions are being deducted correctly.
Retirement
Pension benefits are payable when an employee reaches normal pension age. For further details regarding this please see the Teachers Pensions Website www.teacherspensions.co.uk
Teachers wishing to take their pension should usually apply around 4 months before the intended date. The onus is on the teacher to ensure that the relevant paperwork is requested and completed. The precise forms required are dependant on the individual circumstances of the teacher. KCC Teachers' Pension Unit is able to provide retiring teachers with the relevant forms and guidance.
For advice on re-employment after retirement please visit www.teacherspensions.co.uk.
Transferring benefits from another pension scheme
It is possible for teachers to transfer credits from a previous scheme within 1 year of entering pensionable teaching service so long as that scheme meets certain criteria. It is also possible to transfer teaching pension credits to another scheme should that scheme accept a transfer.
Contact details for Teachers Pensions
The Teachers' Pensions Website www.teacherspensions.co.uk provides information or retirement, pensions and an online pensions benefit estimation service.
'Your Pension - a guide to the Teachers' Superannuation scheme in England and Wales' is included with all new contracts. Further copies are available from SPS.
KCC has a designated Teachers' Pension Unit to handle more complex pension enquiries. Call the KCC Contact Centre (01622 671411) and ask for the Teachers' Pension Unit.