Hartnell Chanot: Divorce/Family Law Solicitors Exeter, Devon

Police Pension Scheme

The 2006 Police Pension Scheme (NPPS) applies to all serving police officers who joined the service on or after 6 April 2006, unless they decided to opt out, and anyone who decides to transfer from the 1987 Police Pension Scheme (PPS).

From 6 April 2006 all new police entrants who wish to have a police pension must join the New Police Pension Scheme (NPPS). Members of PPS can still transfer to NPPS, but the special terms are no longer available except for those who are re-joining the service.

The main features of NPPS include:

• officer contributes 9.5% of salary each month
• maximum pension of ½ final salary plus a fixed lump sum of 4 times the pension, with option to give up part or all of the lump sum for additional annual pension
• maximum pension after 35 years
• single accrual rate of 1/70 of final salary for each year of service - no accelerated accrual rate after 20 years
• pensions for life for adult survivors
• pensions can also be paid to partners who are neither married nor civil partners if appropriate conditions are satisfied

This pension is a statutory scheme, based on the Police Pensions Regulations 2006, made under the Police Pensions Act 1976. All regular police officers in the United Kingdom who joined on or after 6 April 2006, or who wish to transfer, may belong to it.

You can find out more detailed information on accessing the  NPPS Members Guide or visit the Home Office Police website

For advice on police pensions in divorce please contact one of our Police Divorce Team on 01392 421777