Some questions keep being raised. So we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked ones - along with their answers.
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Can I afford to cut my hours?
If you’re thinking of switching to working part-time, our part-time section explains the impact on your pension.
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What are Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)?
Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) give you the option to pay contributions to build up additional retirement funds. These are administered by The Prudential.
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What are Family benefits?
In the event of your death a pension is payable to your beneficiaries. In the career average arrangement, an enhancement is applied if you die in service. For further details on family benefits please check the Life events section of our website.
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I'd like to stop paying contributions, can I do this?
Yes, if you’d like to stop paying contributions you can “Opt Out” of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
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What is Teaching Service History?
It's important that you check your service history to ensure the correct details are held as this is what we base your pension benefits on. Any errors not identified now may result in delays when calculating your pension benefits, or result in an incorrect pension amount being paid. If you identify any errors or omissions please contact the employer at the time of service, ask them to investigate and, where necessary, inform Teachers' Pensions about any changes. We will then update your record accordingly.
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When do I apply for retirement benefits?
You should apply for retirement using the relevant form three to four months before the date you want to draw your pension. Which form you use depends on your circumstances when you retire, ie. whether you want to retire on an age basis, or take phased retirement etc.
You can submit some retirement forms using My Pension Online, our secure site. For further information, see our Planning Retirement guide.