The option to purchase added years (AY) or additional pension (AP) in the 1995/2008 Scheme ended when members moved to the 2015 Scheme.
Reinstated or new added benefits arrangements may now retrospectively be considered following the Public Service Pensions Remedy (PSPR).
You may be able to retrospectively start a new contract in the 1995 or 2008 Scheme during the remedy period, 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022.
You can start a new contract for half cost AY in the 1995 Scheme only or AP in the 1995 or 2008 Scheme if you have:
- rolled back remedy period service
- bought opted out service during the remedy period
New half cost AY purchases are possible for members who have moved back to the 1995 Scheme.
Who can apply
You can apply for an added benefits contingent decision regardless of your current pensionable status.
You must have been employed within NHS England or Wales during the remedy period and at the date in which you wish to reinstate or apply for a new AY or AP contract.
If you were employed by NHS Scotland or Northern Ireland, contact the respective separate scheme administrators.
You’re eligible if you:
- previously held a full or half cost AY or AP contract that was terminated when you opted out but you were later successful in buying added benefits as part of an opting out contingent decision
- revoked your Choice 2 decision and have the option to reinstate a previously terminated AY contract - this only applies to AY contracts because AP remained an option for members in the 2008 Scheme
Before applying, you must receive confirmation the opt out buy back has been finalised, if applicable.
Members who cannot apply had:
- their added benefits cancelled due to financial hardship
- their added benefits cancelled due to any other reason not directly related to discrimination identified in the PSPR
- full protection - they were not restricted from taking out a contract during the remedy period
How to apply
Complete and return the contingent decision application form.
Find application completion guidance on the added benefits contingent decision factsheet.
After you’ve applied
Once we have all the information needed, we’ll calculate the net cost plus interest to either reinstate your previous added benefits contract or calculate a new one as applicable.
You'll be sent an illustration confirming the:
- cost
- details of additional benefits that can be purchased
- payment options available to you
You'll also be sent a payment instruction form which you must complete and return if you want to continue with an arrangement.
The cost will remain correct up to one calendar month from the date of the illustration. If you reply after this period, additional interest will be applied.
Payments
Active and deferred members have the option to pay the arrears by a lump sum or instalment plan. Instalment plan calculators are available on our website to help you calculate an affordable payment option.
Pensioner members can have the deductions made from their pension benefits already in payment. This would be taken from the arrears of added years or AP lump sum if applicable or arrears of pension. If any amount remained, it would be deducted from the ongoing pension until fully recovered in a payment method affordable by you.
We’ll confirm receipt of the payment instruction form and add the additional benefits contract to your pension record.
If you choose to pay by lump sum, or following your first instalment payment, we’ll confirm receipt of the payment within 3 working days.
Successful members will be responsible for paying their backdated additional benefits contributions plus associated interest.
For active members with ongoing contracts, this will be in addition to regular contributions and ongoing additional benefit contributions to be collected by the NHS employer.
Costs are adjusted to include tax relief for employed officer members.
Self-employed practitioner members must request this by self-assessment.
All payment must be covered. Any remaining amounts outstanding at the time of retirement or death will be deducted from the associated pension benefits.