Estimate your firefighter pension from the 1992 final salary scheme or the 2015 CARE scheme. See pension, lump sum and a side-by-side scheme comparison.
Results are estimates. The 1992 scheme uses actual pensionable pay at retirement. The 2015 CARE estimate uses current pay as a proxy for career average. McCloud remedy rights and transitional protections are not reflected.
Two main schemes cover active firefighters in England and Wales: the 1992 Firefighters Pension Scheme (FPS) and the 2015 Firefighters Pension Scheme. The 2006 New Firefighters Pension Scheme (NFPS) was also open 2006–2015 but is not covered by this calculator.
| Feature | 1992 Scheme (FPS) | 2015 Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Final salary | Career average (CARE) |
| Accrual rate | 1/60th per year | 1/59.7th per year |
| Normal pension age | 55 (compulsory retirement) | State Pension age (67) |
| Maximum pension | 2/3 final pay (after ~40 yrs) | No cap |
| Automatic lump sum | 3× or 4× annual pension | None |
| In-service revaluation | N/A (final salary) | CPI + 1.25% per year |
| Early retirement | N/A — must retire at 55 | From 55 with actuarial reduction |
The 1992 scheme is final salary based. Annual pension = min(pay × years/60, pay × 2/3). At normal retirement (55) after 30 years, the pension is 30/60 = 50% of final pay. The maximum pension of 2/3 of pay is reached after 40 years. The automatic lump sum is 3× the annual pension for shorter service, rising to 4× for full service at or beyond 30 years.
The 2015 scheme is a CARE scheme. Each year you build up 1/59.7th of that year's pensionable pay, revalued by CPI+1.25% annually. Normal pension age is State Pension age (67). Early retirement from 55 is possible with an actuarial reduction of approximately 5% per year before NPA. There is no automatic lump sum, but commutation at £12:£1 is available.
The 1992 Firefighters scheme has a normal retirement age of 55. Members must retire at 55 — it is a compulsory retirement scheme. This is one of the key differences from the 2015 scheme.
The 1992 scheme accrues at 1/60th of pensionable pay per year of service, up to a maximum of 2/3 of final pay. Members also receive a lump sum of 3 or 4 times the annual pension on retirement.
The 2015 scheme is a career average revalued earnings (CARE) scheme. The accrual rate is 1/59.7th per year, revalued annually by CPI plus 1.25% during active service. The normal pension age is State Pension age (currently 67 for most).
Yes. The maximum pension in the 1992 scheme is capped at 2/3 of final pensionable pay. After 30 years of service the pension is 30/60 = 50% of pay; after 40 years it reaches the 2/3 cap. The lump sum is 4 times the pension for full (30+ year) service.
No. The 2015 scheme has no automatic lump sum. However, you can commute up to 25% of the capitalised pension value at £12 lump sum per £1 of pension given up, subject to the HMRC £268,275 limit.
The McCloud/Sargeant remedy applies to firefighters who were in service before 1 April 2012. These members will receive a deferred choice at retirement between their legacy scheme benefits and 2015 scheme benefits for the remedy period (2015–2022), whichever is higher.
Yes, from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028). Early retirement reduces your pension by an actuarial factor of approximately 5% per year before normal pension age of 67.
Yes. Firefighter pensions in payment are taxable as income. However, any tax-free lump sum — whether automatic (1992 scheme) or from commutation — is not subject to income tax, provided it is within the HMRC pension commencement lump sum limit.
Yes. Firefighter pensions in payment are increased each April under the Pensions (Increase) Act in line with CPI. This provides protection against the rising cost of living throughout retirement.
In the 2015 scheme, contribution rates range from 8.5% to 14.5% of pensionable pay on a tiered basis. In the 1992 scheme, the standard rate was 11% of pensionable pay. Employers contribute significantly more — rates are set actuarially.
Yes — this calculator shows estimates for both schemes side by side. Generally, the 1992 scheme is more generous for service up to 30 years due to the 1/60th accrual, early NPA of 55, and automatic 3–4× lump sum. The 2015 scheme offers continued accrual beyond 30 years and a pension linked to career average rather than final pay.
No. The 1992 Firefighters pension scheme was closed to new entrants in 2006. Most active firefighters are now accruing in the 2015 scheme.