Additional Regular Contributions
Please note as of 23/07/2010, applications for ARCs have been suspended until further notice while the actuarial factors tables are reviewed following announcements in the Emergency Budget
Since 1st April 2008 LGPS you can no longer enter into an added years contract to increase your pension. Instead you can now purchase additional LGPS pension by way of Additional Regular Contributions (ARCs).
You decide how much extra pension you want to buy in steps of £250, up to a maximum of £5000 extra annual pension (in total for those with more than one employment).
You have the choice of either providing just a pension for yourself or to provide one for yourself and any survivor on your death - spouse, civil partner, nominated cohabiting partner or child.
Purchase is by way of deductions from your pay and the additional contributions must be paid over a whole number of years and must cease before age 65. You may choose to pay over a shorter period if you wish. Contracts can commence at any time of year and you may have more than one contract.
As contracts are deemed to be paid in full if you are retired on grounds of ill health or die in service, a medical certificate must be completed by your GP stating that you are in "reasonably good health".
The cost of purchasing additional pension is based on your age, gender, the payment period and whether or not you choose to provide for dependants benefits.
You can see an illustration of the cost of buying extra pension spread over a chosen period by using our ARC calculator.
Disclaimer: Figures provided for information purposes only. They provide an illustration of the cost of buying additional pension over a chosen period depending on your gender and your age at the date contributions would begin. For a detailed quotation and full contractual terms and conditions, please contact our benefits team on 01225 713613. You can also read more detailed guidance on ARCs
You are free to change your mind and stop paying part way through the contract. If you do this, you will normally just be given the extra pension you have paid for so far.
The Scheme rules assume you will draw this extra pension at age 65. If you draw it before then, for any other reason than ill health, your extra pension (but not any dependants’ pensions) will be reduced. The earlier you draw it, the bigger the reduction.
You can read more detailed guidance on ARCs for further information or you can contact our benefits team on 01225 713613.
If you decide you wish purchase extra pension by way of Addition Regular Contributions please complete an application form and return it to us with a medical certificate completed by your GP. Any charges incurred for completing this medical certificate must be met by the scheme member.
