Fact sheet - Working part-time before retirement

Related leaflets and forms for download

What happens if I start to work part-time?

• You will automatically be a member of the scheme and pay contributions.

How will my pension be calculated at retirement?

• The full-time equivalent of your salary and your actual service will be used.

Can I decide not to join the scheme?

• Yes, but think carefully before you reach this decision as this would mean you would not receive any pension, nor would your dependants receive any death benefits.
• You will need to complete an opting-out election form and send it to TP via your employer.

If I opt out, can I elect to rejoin the scheme at a later date?

• Yes, but you will not be able to cover your absence from the scheme.

What if I am already a part-time teacher?

• If you start a new contract on or after 1 January 2007, you will automatically become a scheme member.
• If you do not change your contract and have not previously elected to join the scheme, you will not automatically become a scheme member, but you can still join by making an election now or at any time in the future.
• Please see Related forms and leaflets below. You may be able to submit an online Part Time Election via My Pension Online, our secure site - click here for further details.

What happens if I have more than one employer?

• All your service is added together provided it does not amount to more than full-time service.

What happens if I work full time and start doing additional part-time work?

• The additional part-time service or salary will not count towards pension benefits.
• You should not pay contributions on this part-time service but you will need to confirm this with your part-time employer if different from your full-time employer.

Where there is any difference between the legislation governing the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and the information in this fact sheet the legislation will apply.