How much is an NHS pension?

There are three different pension schemes in place, but most NHS employees who are still working are in the NHS Pension Scheme 2015. There’s also the NHS Pension Scheme 1995 and the NHS Pension Scheme 2008, but they’re both closed to new entrants. 

If you’re in the NHS Pension Scheme 2015, you’ll earn 1/54th of your pensionable pay each year in your pension. This money is also increased through an annual ‘revaluation’ to help keeps up with inflation. 

The exact amount of your NHS pension depends on various factors, such as length of service, earnings and the specific pension scheme you’re enrolled in. The easiest way to find out how much you’ll get from your NHS pension is to request an estimate from the NHSOpens in a new window You should also receive an Annual Benefit Statement that tells you how much your pension is worth.

The NHS Pension Scheme 2015 is based on career average earnings, where the pension is calculated using a formula that considers earnings throughout your career, adjusted for inflation. 

The NHS Pension Scheme 1995 and the NHS Pension Scheme 2008 offer a final salary arrangement, which means that the pension is based on a proportion of your final salary. However, these schemes are closed to new entrants.

NHS employees, like anyone in the UK who has paid enough National Insurance contributions, qualify to receive the State Pension. The State Pension is separate from, and in addition to, the NHS pension.

The current contribution rates for the NHS Pension Scheme 2015 are structured based on a tiered system. The amount you pay in will depend on your pensionable income. To check which tier you’re in, log in to the NHSOpens in a new window website or check the Cost of being in the schemeOpens in a new window

You can always refer to your NHS Pension Scheme documents or talk to the NHS Pension Scheme administrators for the most up-to-date information about contribution rates.

The maximum number of working years that can go towards your NHS pension is 45. You’ll still receive a proportionate pension if you retire before then and have fewer years of service in the NHS.