You can request to transfer your Deferred Pension to your new employer’s scheme or another suitable pension arrangement. The Scheme Actuary sets out how a cash equivalent transfer value of your Deferred Pension is calculated. This is the estimated value of your benefits taking into account the guaranteed increases before you retire and after the pension starts. At any time whether you have left Pensionable Service or not, you can ask for an estimate of the transfer value, however the Scheme only has to give you one estimate in any 12-month period; if you request additional estimates there may be a charge for providing this.
You can obtain an illustrative transfer value by logging into Mercer's online member portal, www.benpal.com (If you require log in details, you can request these by contacting the Mercer helpline numbers). For some members, due to complexities in the way your benefits are calculated, you will be unable to view illustrative figures on Benpal. If this is the case, you should contact the pension scheme administrator, Mercer, to request a transfer value quotation.
If you require a guaranteed transfer value quotation, you should contact the pension scheme administrator to request this.
Transferring pension benefits from one arrangement to another is complicated and it is important that you take independent financial advice before deciding to make any pension transfer to ensure that it is in your best interests. You can find an independent financial adviser (IFA) in your area by visiting www.unbiased.co.uk