The civil service pension is a defined-benefit scheme where every active member now builds pension in alpha at 2.32% of pensionable pay per year, with a normal pension age equal to your State Pension age or 65, whichever is later. Alpha replaced the four legacy schemes on 1 April 2015, and from 1 April 2022 all remaining members moved across following the McCloud remedy. Below we explain every scheme, contribution rates and how the transition affects your benefits.
Civil Service Pension Scheme Finder
Answer three questions to find which scheme applies to you, your contribution rate and an estimated annual pension accrual.
The Alpha Scheme (Current)
Alpha is a career average revalued earnings (CARE) scheme. Every year you build up a pension equal to 2.32% of your pensionable earnings for that year. Your accrued pension is revalued annually in line with CPI, protecting its real value until you draw it.
Normal pension age (NPA): Your State Pension age or 65, whichever is later. For most current members this means 67 or 68. You can draw alpha pension from age 55 (rising to 57 from April 2028), but benefits are actuarially reduced for early payment.
Lump sum: There is no automatic lump sum. You can commute up to 25% of your pension value into a tax-free lump sum at a rate of £12 lump sum for every £1 of annual pension given up.
Employer contribution: 28.97% of pensionable pay for 2026/27, making this one of the most generous employer-funded pensions in the UK.
Legacy Schemes (Closed to New Accrual)
All four legacy schemes closed to new accrual on 31 March 2022. If you have service in one of these schemes, those benefits remain and will be paid according to the original scheme rules. No further pension builds in them.
Classic
A final salary scheme accruing at 1/80th of final pensionable salary per year of service. It includes an automatic tax-free lump sum of three times the annual pension. NPA is 60. Members also receive an index-linked increase each year in payment. Classic was the default scheme for anyone who joined before 1 October 2002.
Classic Plus
A hybrid arrangement for members who chose to move from classic when premium launched in October 2002. Service before the switch date accrues classic benefits (1/80th plus lump sum); service after follows premium rules (1/60th, no automatic lump sum). NPA is 60.
Premium
A final salary scheme accruing at 1/60th per year of reckonable service. There is no automatic lump sum, but members can commute part of their pension. NPA is 60. Premium was the default for joiners from 1 October 2002 to 29 July 2007.
Nuvos
A CARE scheme accruing at 2.3% of pensionable earnings per year, revalued by CPI. NPA is 65. Nuvos was the default for joiners from 30 July 2007 to 31 March 2015. It is the closest predecessor to alpha, differing mainly in accrual rate and NPA.
Scheme Comparison
| Scheme | Type | Accrual | NPA | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | CARE | 2.32% | SPA or 65 | Open |
| Classic | Final salary | 1/80th | 60 | Closed |
| Classic Plus | Hybrid | 1/80th + 1/60th | 60 | Closed |
| Premium | Final salary | 1/60th | 60 | Closed |
| Nuvos | CARE | 2.3% | 65 | Closed |
Contribution Rate Bands 2026/27
Employee contribution rates are set by salary band. Your employer deducts these from your gross pay before tax relief is applied (contributions are paid net of tax). The employer rate is a flat 28.97%.
| Pensionable Earnings | Employee Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to £36,199 | 4.60% |
| £36,200 – £56,000 | 5.45% |
| £56,001 – £150,000 | 7.35% |
| Above £150,000 | 8.05% |
Rates are based on your full-time equivalent salary even if you work part-time. Part-time members pay the percentage on their actual (pro-rata) pay but the band is determined by the full-time rate.
McCloud Remedy
The McCloud remedy addresses age discrimination that arose when younger members were moved to alpha in 2015 while older members were protected in their legacy schemes. The remedy covers service between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022.
If you were in service during this period, you will receive a choice at retirement: take the benefits calculated under your legacy scheme or under alpha for that window of service, whichever gives you a higher pension. This is known as the Remediable Service Statement (RSS), which MyCSP began issuing from October 2023.
You do not need to make any decisions now. The comparison will be presented to you automatically when you claim your pension, and you will always receive the higher amount.
Death Benefits and Survivor Pensions
The civil service pension scheme provides significant protection for your dependants.
Death in service lump sum: Two times your annual pensionable pay, paid tax-free to your nominated beneficiary.
Survivor pension: Your surviving spouse, civil partner or eligible partner receives a pension based on your accrued benefits. In alpha, the survivor pension is 37.5% of your accrued pension. In classic, it is 50% of the member’s pension (known as a widow’s, widower’s or civil partner’s pension). In premium and nuvos, it is also 37.5%.
Children’s pensions: Eligible children receive a pension until age 23 if in full-time education.
Partial Retirement
From 2024, civil servants can take partial retirement. You reduce your working hours or grade and draw part of your accrued pension while continuing to build new pension on your reduced salary. This allows a phased transition into full retirement without leaving the scheme entirely.
You must be at least your minimum pension age (currently 55, rising to 57 from April 2028) and draw at least 20% of your accrued benefits. The portion you draw is actuarially reduced if taken before NPA, just as with full early retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt out of the civil service pension? Yes, but it is rarely advisable. The employer contribution of 28.97% is essentially free money. If you opt out, you lose this and any death-in-service cover. You can rejoin at any time.
Is my civil service pension taxable? Yes. Pension income is subject to income tax at your marginal rate. However, any tax-free lump sum (up to 25% of your pension value) is not taxed. Use our Pension Drawdown Calculator to model retirement income.
How does salary sacrifice affect my civil service pension? If your employer offers salary sacrifice for pension contributions, your pensionable pay may be reduced, which lowers your pension accrual. Check with your HR department. See our Salary Sacrifice Pension Calculator for modelling.
What happens to my pension if I leave the civil service? If you have at least two years of qualifying service, you receive a deferred pension payable from your NPA. You can also transfer your benefits to another scheme, though transfers out of defined-benefit public sector schemes are restricted. Use our State Pension Forecast tool to see your full retirement picture.
Official Sources
Contribution rates and scheme rules are based on 2026/27 published figures. This guide provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult your pension administrator or a qualified adviser for decisions about your specific benefits. Last checked August 2026.
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