The National Health Service Pension Scheme Regulations 1995

Electing to buy additional service or unreduced retirement lump sum

Q3.—(1) A member electing to buy additional service or unreduced retirement lump sum shall do so by giving notice in writing to the employing authority 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 during a period of absence from work or while his earnings are reduced or have ceased.

(3) For the purposes of these Regulations, the date on which a member elects to buy additional service or unreduced retirement lump sum means the date on which the employing authority receives 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 3 months after starting that employment, the election will cease to have effect.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4), and notwithstanding regulation P1(5) (absence through illness or injury or maternity), a member whose earnings cease during a period of absence from work will not be treated as if he had left pensionable employment.

(6) The Secretary of State shall not accept an election from a member who wishes to pay for additional service or unreduced retirement lump sum by additional regular contributions unless satisfied that the member is in good health and that there is no reason why the member’s health should prevent him from paying the contributions for the whole period for which he has chosen to pay them.