Q6.—(1) A member electing to buy additional service or unreduced retirement lump sum must do so by giving notice in writing to the Scottish Ministers on the form provided, giving such information as may be required.
(2) A member may not exercise a right to buy additional service or unreduced retirement lump sum benefits during a period of absence from work without leave or because of ill-health or injury, or while the member's earnings are reduced or suspended.
(3) For the purposes of these Regulations, the date on which a member elects to buy additional service or unreduced lump sum means the date on which the Scottish Ministers receive the member's completed form exercising that right.
(4) If a member who elects to pay for additional service or unreduced retirement lump sum by a single payment leaves pensionable employment within three months after starting that employment, the election will cease to have effect.
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4), and notwithstanding regulation P2(3) (temporary absence through illness or injury), a member whose earnings are suspended during a period of absence from work for illness or injury will not be treated as if the member had left pensionable employment.
(6) A member who wishes to pay for additional service or unreduced retirement lump sum by regular additional contributions must be able to sign a declaration, in the form provided, that the member knows of no reason why the member's health should prevent the member from paying the additional contributions for the whole period for which the member has chosen to pay them.
(7) Where payment in accordance with regulation Q5(5) is causing, or continuation would cause, financial hardship the Scottish Ministers may consent to the discontinuance of the payments and regulation Q7 will apply.