classic plus

This section contains details of the classic plus pension scheme benefits. It is intended for those who were members of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme Northern Ireland PCSPS(NI) on 30 September 2002 and chose to join classic plus from 01 October 2002.

The classic plus pension scheme is what is called an ‘occupational final-salary pension scheme’. It provides a way of saving for your retirement. Over the years, you and your employer both make contributions to the scheme. When you retire, we pay you a pension based on the years you contributed to the scheme and on your pensionable earnings in your final years.

Your classic plus benefits are a combination of your PCSPS(NI) benefits up to 30 September 2002 and the equivalent of premium benefits from 01 October 2002.

Contributions increased to 3.5% of your pensionable pay for service from 01 October 2002.

For your service before 01 October 2002 you get a pension based on 1/80 of your final pensionable pay for each year of reckonable service and a tax-free lump sum of 3 times your pension.

For your service from 01 October 2002 you get a pension based on 1/60 of your final pensionable pay for each year of reckonable service and if you want to you can exchange some pension for a tax-free lump sum.

For more information, read through the sections on Joining; Leaving; Changing circumstances and Boosting your pension.

You will find more detailed information in the booklet ‘Your classic plus pension benefits explained (PDF 104KB)’ and the ‘classic plus retirement benefits (PDF 57KB)’ leaflet.

All booklets and leaflets can be found in the resources section.

If you require any further information or assistance please contact the Member Administration Section. You can find their number in the contact us section.