The Health and Social Care (Pension Scheme) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008

Early payment of pensions with actuarial reduction N.I.

179.—(1) A member who has not reached the age of 65 is entitled to immediate payment of a reduced pension payable for life if the member—

(a) has reached the age of 55,

(b) meets the condition in regulation 176(2)(a) or (b),

(c) has ceased to be employed in HSC employment, and

(d) has claimed payment of the pension.

(2) The amount of the annual pension under this regulation—

(a) is first calculated as mentioned in regulation 176(4) (and, if additional pension is payable, in accordance with regulation 171(2) or 173(2)), and

(b) then that amount is reduced by such amount as the Department determines, after consulting the Scheme actuary, to be appropriate by reason of the payment of the pension before the member reaches 65.

(3) A claim under paragraph (1) must be made by notice in writing in such form as the Department requires and takes effect—

(a) in the case of a deferred member, from the date specified in the claim as the date on which the pension is to become payable,

(b) in the case of an active member [F1 or a non-contributing member] , from the day immediately following the day on which the member ceased to be employed in HSC employment.

(4) A member shall not be entitled to a pension under this regulation if the Department determines, having taken advice from the Scheme actuary, that the pension, as reduced under paragraph (1), would be sufficient to meet its liability to provide a guaranteed minimum pension.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in reg. 179(3)(b) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending Rule) by The Health and Personal Social Services (Superannuation Scheme and Injury Benefits) and Health and Social Care (Pension Scheme) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 (S.R. 2009/188), regs. 1(2), 54