Transitional Protection Contingent Decisions

As you’ll be aware, changes were introduced to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme in 2015 with those members closest to retirement age receiving Transitional Protection, meaning they remained in the final salary scheme while others entered the career average scheme. These protections have since been deemed discriminatory on age grounds.

During the remedy period (1 April 2015 – 31 March 2022), eligible members built up Scheme benefits based on the protections that were in place in 2015 and any actions/decisions made would have been in line with regulations in place at the time.

We’re aware that some members may have made different choices or taken different actions had the circumstances around their Teachers’ Pension Scheme benefits been different at the time. This is referred to as a contingent decision.

If you feel this refers to your circumstances, please read our factsheet to find out more about the next steps you can take to make a Contingent Decision claim (PDF, 132 KB) (This link opens in a new window).

Transitional Protection financial loss compensation claims

We’re also aware that some members have experienced a financial loss due to the Transitional Protection. This is referred to as a financial loss.

If this refers to your circumstances, please read our factsheet to find out more about the next steps you can take to make a financial loss compensation claim (PDF, 127 KB) (This link opens in a new window).

Financial loss compensation for Independent Financial Advisor Services

You don’t need to pay to claim your remedy benefits and make your choice. Using a paid service doesn’t mean you’ll get your choice any sooner or affect the options you have. We’ve provided guidance to members about their remedy period choices, and we’ll contact you regarding your options.

A small number of you with particularly complex circumstances may feel you need support from an independent financial advisor or accountant regarding your remedy choice. We’re introducing a process to allow you to make a claim for some of the costs incurred in limited scenarios. Please note the following however:

• We won’t routinely reimburse you for amounts paid for independent financial advice (IFA) in relation to your remedy period choice of benefits. The relevant information you’ll need to make an informed choice is provided via our website, communications and Remediable Service Statements
• If your circumstances are more complex, for example in relation to tax issues which you couldn’t reasonably address yourself, we’ll consider applications for compensation for reasonable costs of IFA (normally up to the amount of £500). Evidence must be provided that the advice you received was required due to the remedy/discrimination and the complexity of your particular financial circumstances, as well as proof of the amount paid
• You have plenty of time to make your decision and are advised not to seek such advice before you’ve received your Remediable Service Statement and supporting information. We’ll not consider claims for IFA fees etc. under any circumstances where you’ve paid for services without having received and considered this information first.

For more information please read our FAQs (PDF, 129 KB) (This link opens in a new window).