Is there a self-service online portal available to pensioners?
Yes.
We have developed a new Northern Ireland Civil Service Pension Schemes (NICSPS) Information Centre where you can view your pay advice slips, P60s and other pension information in one place. Details of how to register and login are available within NICSPS Information Centre Guides.
How do I update my personal details?
Go to our new Northern Ireland Civil Service Pension Schemes (NICSPS) Information Centre where you can update your personal details, such as change of address or bank details, quickly and easily without any time-consuming form filling, postage costs or phone calls.
Alternatively you may contact CSP.
How is my pension paid?
NICS pensions are usually paid monthly in arrears, directly into your nominated bank account, and are taxable as income.
Can I have my pension/lump sum paid into an overseas bank account?
Yes, payments can be made into most overseas bank accounts. Please contact CSP for an overseas payment mandate.
How often should I receive pension payslips?
With effect from June 2021 you will receive a paper pay advice slip at least twice per year – one with your P60 and one when any annual pension increase is applied. You will also receive a paper copy if the amount of your pension payment varies by more than £1 which may be due to a change in circumstances such as change of tax code.
Who is entitled to Pensions Increase (PI)?
When an increase is due, it is usually paid to anyone aged 55 or over, or under 55 when they’ve qualified for an ill-health retirement, widow’s, widower’s, civil partner’s, partner’s or child’s pension.
Will PI apply to my pension in the future?
As increases to Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) pensions in payment are dependent on future changes in the cost of living, it is not possible to predict future pension increases. These will be based on the Treasury Order each year.
When will I get my P60?
You will get a P60 after the end of each tax year. This will show the amount of pension paid and tax deducted during the year. You should keep this in a safe place in case you need it in the future.
I have received my P60, why is the gross amount not the same as my annual pension?
Your P60 shows the total of all the payments you have received during the tax year. There are a number of reasons the gross amount may not be the same as your annual pension.
Such as:
- your pension started during the tax year
- the first payment in the tax year included one or more days before the last increase
- it was not paid in full for the whole tax year – for example, we reduced your pension because you were working in the NICS - this is known as abatement
- you have received a change in annual rate, arrears payment or an increase in pension during the year
What is abatement?
If you partially retire, or fully retire using your classic, classic plus, premium or nuvos benefits, your pension may be abated while you continue to work, or rejoin the NICS pension schemes at a later date. This is because your pension and new salary added together cannot be more than your salary before you partially retired.
How is my tax code determined?
HMRC is responsible for tax codes. When the scheme begins to pay your benefits they will be taxed using the standard emergency tax code. This code will be updated when HMRC provides a new code to use to tax your benefits.
I have a query about the tax on my pension - who do I contact?
You should contact HMRC.
When will I receive a newsletter?
Newsletters for NICS pensioners are usually issued every year in April.
What is GMP (Guaranteed Minimum Pension)?
If you were a member of the scheme between 06 April 1978 and 05 April 1997, you will have paid lower NI contributions because it was contracted out of the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS). This meant that you were effectively giving up your entitlement to part of the State Pension in exchange for a pension from your occupational scheme that is at least as much as the State Pension you would have received if you had not been contracted out. This is called Guaranteed Minimum Pension or GMP for short.
Will the government be guaranteeing fully inflation proofed public service pensions for those with a GMP?
- currently pensions are increased in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Public servants will be told the details of how changes will operate, including how inflation-proofing will apply in future, before they are affected
- if you have a GMP element to your pension the indexation of this is complex
How do I change my death benefit nominee?
You can complete a new death benefit nomination form.
How much lump sum will my death benefit nominee(s) receive in the event of my death?
The amount of death benefit lump sum can differ by scheme and according to individual circumstances. Information regarding death benefit lump sum payments can be found in the scheme guides:
How can a relative take over management of a pensioner’s affairs if they become incapable?
We need a power of attorney in order to accept any forms which have been signed on the member’s behalf. A Power of Attorney can be set up by the member when they are in good mental health. If a member has lost the capacity to manage their financial affairs, the courts can grant a Controllership Order through the Office of Care and Protection.
You may wish to contact a solicitor for help in setting up Power of Attorney or gaining a Controllership Order. Some guidance on Power of Attorney is available on the Gov.uk website.
How do I obtain an estimate of the value of my pension for my divorce proceedings?
You should contact CSP who will provide an estimate for you.
I am getting a dependant's pension - how can I find out more about how my pension has been worked out?
Dependant’s pension benefits can differ by scheme and according to individual circumstances. Information regarding both adult and child dependant pensions can be found in the scheme guides:
I’ve read that some pension schemes are selling members' data. Does this affect my NICS pension?
Civil Service Pensions (CSP) treats the information it holds on members’ pension schemes with the utmost confidentiality and never sells information to a third party.
How can I find more information about the pension scheme?
You can find more information in the scheme guides: