Additional Voluntary Contributions (or AVCs for short) are a way of increasing your benefits through a separate scheme to your teacher’s pension.

The Department for Education has an AVC arrangement with Prudential, but you can use other companies. You can find out more by taking a look at Prudential’s Introduction to AVCs factsheet (PDF, 130 KB) (This link opens in a new window), or by visiting their website at www.pru.co.uk/takecontrol (This link opens in a new window).

Increasing your benefits could have consequences in relation to the Annual and Lifetime Allowances. Therefore, before you make your final decision it's a good idea to seek financial advice on the possible tax implications of proceeding with your application. Further information on seeking financial advice is available at www.unbiased.co.uk (This link opens in a new window) or www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en (This link opens in a new window).