Joining the TPS
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Employment from 1 January 2007 Part time employment where the contract started before 01/01/2007 Opting outEmployment from 1 January 2007
You automatically become a member of the scheme if you are:
- employed full-time or part time;
- between the ages of 18 and 75;
- whether or not you have retired;
and if you are:
- employed in an establishment maintained by a local authority or in an establishment grant-aided by the Secretary of State;
- employed in an independent school or further and higher education establishment that has been accepted into the teachers’ scheme; or
- employed as a teacher by a Function Provider (a company awarded a contract to perform functions on behalf of a local authority).
Part time employment where the contract started before 1 January 2007
For your service to be treated as pensionable you must have made a part time election. If you have not made an election and you change your contract or have a break in service after 1 January 2007 your future service will automatically be pensionable unless you opt out of the TPS.
Back to the topOpting out
You do not have to stay in the TPS. You can opt out of the scheme at any time in order to make your own pension arrangements. You should think very carefully before you opt out. You should compare the benefits of the TPS with those offered by personal pension plans or other arrangements and consider the long-term effect on your financial position. You may wish to consult an independent financial adviser or your teachers’ association before taking such a serious step.
Application forms are available in the Forms and Leaflets section. Alternatively it may be possible for you to submit an election to opt out of the scheme via My Pension Online (our secure website). If you have opted out you can re-enter the scheme.
If you have already opted out of the TPS you can opt back in.
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