The Teachers' Pension Scheme was contracted out of the Graduated Pension Scheme, which ran between 3 April 1961 and 5 April 1975. The only members who were required to be contracted into the Graduated Pension Scheme were

• female teachers who first entered service after age of 50 up to 31 March 1972 or who first entered service after age 55


• male teachers who first entered service after age of 55 up to 31 March 1972 or who first entered service after age 66.

If a member who had service between 3 April 1961 and 5 April 1975 took a repayment of contributions from the Teachers' Pension Scheme they were then contracted into Graduated Pension Scheme for that period.

Under the National Insurance Pension Scheme, if you were employed in pensionable teaching employment between 1 June 1948 and 31 March 1980 your pension contributions were reduced. This means that when you reach state pension age the basic rate of your pension is reduced by £1.70 per annum for each year of service between these dates.

You won't receive a pension until your ex-spouse or partner draws their retirement benefits. If your ex-spouse or partner retires early or leaves the Scheme, the benefits may be less than you originally expected to receive.

No, if you're a pension credit member of the Teachers' Pension Scheme you can't transfer in benefits from another pension scheme.

Yes, provided your earnings over the next 12 months reduce by at least 20% when compared to the past 6 months. It's your responsibility to monitor your earnings to ensure that you comply with that condition.