Leave the scheme

With less than 2 years' membership (including the length of any transferred in service)

On leaving, you have the following options:

• You can claim a refund of your contributions if you do not have any other LGPS memberships.
• You may be able to transfer your benefits to a new pension arrangement
• You can delay your decision until you know what you would like to do - this is known as having a frozen refund. You have a maximum of 5 years after leaving or until you are 75, if earlier, to make your decision.

With 2 years or more membership (including the length of any transferred in service)

On leaving, you have two options:

• You can choose to keep your pension in the Scheme - this is known as having a deferred pension. Your pension from the Scheme is increased each year in line with the cost of living which is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Before payment, active or deferred CARE pensions can go down as well as up – however this is rare. Once in payment they cannot go down, so in the rare case of deflation, your pension would remain unchanged.
• You may be able to transfer your pension to a new pension arrangement, although in some circumstances you may need to receive impartial, independent financial advice before you can do so.

Please also explore the further information sections below to learn more about leaving the LGPS and the next steps you should take if you would like to transfer your benefits. Should you wish to keep some money in the Scheme, you will find details about your deferred benefits as well.