The Armed Forces Pension Scheme Order 2005

C.4.    Absence from work U.K.

(1) If a member who has exercised an option under rule C.1(1) has a period of absence from work, the member may—

(a) cease to pay the contributions payable under the option, or

(b) pay the same amounts of contributions as would be payable if he were receiving pensionable earnings at the full rate.

This is subject to paragraphs (2) and (3).

(2) Paragraph (1)(b) does not apply during—

(a) any period of paid maternity absence (as defined in paragraph 5(3) of Schedule 5 to the Social Security Act 1989(1)),

(b) any period of paid paternity leave (as defined in paragraph 5A(4) of that Schedule),

(c) any period of paid adoption leave (as defined in paragraph 5B(4) of that Schedule), or

(d) any period of paid family leave (as defined in paragraph 6(4) of that Schedule);

and accordingly the member may pay contributions on the member’s actual pay in respect of that period.

(3) If contributions are payable under paragraph (1)(b), the member may opt to pay the contributions after absence or leave has ended—

(a) by such instalments as the member may agree with the Scheme administrator, or

(b) by lump sum.

(1)

1989 c. 24. Paragraphs 5A and 5B are inserted in Schedule 5 by section 265(1) of the Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35).