How much will your civil service pension be worth?
A quick plain-English estimate across alpha, inferred nuvos, classic, and premium. Enter your age, current pensionable pay, existing service, extra future alpha years, and the age you want to take your pension.
Civil Service pension questions
What are the main civil service pension schemes?
The Civil Service Pension Scheme has evolved through several sections. The most common are: classic (pre-2002, final salary at 1/80 with automatic 3/80 lump sum, NPA 60), premium (2002-2007, final salary at 1/60, NPA 60), and alpha (2015 onwards, career average at 2.32% per year with prices-linked revaluation, NPA equal to the later of age 65 or State Pension age). There are also classic plus (a transitional hybrid), nuvos (2007-2015, an earlier CARE scheme at 2.3%), and partnership (a defined contribution alternative). Most current civil servants are in alpha.
How is the alpha pension scheme calculated?
Alpha is a Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme. Each year you accrue 2.32% of your pensionable earnings as annual pension. Each year's accrual is then revalued annually in line with prices / CPI. Your final pension is the sum of all your revalued accruals, adjusted for any early or late payment factors.
What is the McCloud remedy and how does it affect civil servants?
The McCloud judgement (2018) ruled that the 2015 public service pension reforms unlawfully discriminated against younger members. Eligible members can receive legacy or alpha benefits for remediable service between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022. Legacy sections include classic, classic plus, premium and nuvos. Eligibility depends on your service history, including earlier public-service membership and any breaks. This calculator cannot establish eligibility or compare the remedy options; check your Remediable Service Statement and the official Remedy Hub.
Can I transfer a preserved alpha pension to a SIPP?
No. If you have qualified for a preserved alpha pension, scheme rules do not allow a transfer to a defined contribution arrangement such as a SIPP. Different rules can apply when leaving without qualifying for a preserved pension. Civil Service AVC funds are separate and have their own transfer process. Check the official alpha transfer-out guidance for your circumstances; obtaining financial advice does not remove the restriction.
What is the difference between classic, classic plus, premium, nuvos, and alpha?
Classic is a final salary scheme at 1/80 accrual with an automatic 3/80 lump sum. Classic plus is a transitional hybrid. Premium is a final salary scheme at 1/60 accrual with no automatic lump sum. Nuvos was an earlier CARE scheme at 2.3% accrual revalued at CPI. Alpha is the current CARE scheme at 2.32% accrual with prices-linked revaluation. This calculator covers alpha, infers likely nuvos years for 2007-2015 service, and lets users split classic or premium where their statement shows those sections.
Official guidance: alpha transfers and the Remedy Hub.