Mustafa Bilgic · Independent UK Calculator Operator · Reviewed
NHS Pension Calculator (2023 Scheme)
The NHS Pension Scheme 2023 is a Career Average (CARE) scheme where you accrue 1/54th of your pensionable pay each year, revalued by CPI + 1.5%. Calculate your projected NHS pension and contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NHS pension accrual rate?
Under the 2023 scheme, you accrue 1/54th (1.85%) of your pensionable pay each year. This is revalued annually by CPI + 1.5% until retirement.
What are NHS pension contribution rates?
NHS contribution rates are tiered by pensionable pay in 2025/26: £0-13,246 = 5.1%, £13,247-26,831 = 6.5%, £26,832-31,552 = 8.3%, £31,553-49,963 = 10.8%, £49,964-78,081 = 12.5%.
What is the Normal Pension Age in the NHS scheme?
The NHS 2023 scheme Normal Pension Age (NPA) is linked to State Pension Age — currently 67, rising to 68. You can take it earlier with a reduction.
What happened to the 2015 NHS pension scheme?
The 2015 scheme was a CARE scheme. Following the McCloud/Sargeant legal challenge, all NHS staff are now in the 2023 scheme from 1 April 2023. Pre-2015 benefits remain in the old scheme.
What is the Annual Allowance for the NHS pension?
The Annual Allowance is £60,000 (2025/26). For DB schemes, the "pension input" is calculated as (pension growth × 16) + lump sum growth. Senior NHS clinicians often exceed the AA.
What is the Scheme Pays option for NHS pension?
If your AA charge exceeds £2,000 and your pension input exceeds the AA, you can elect Scheme Pays — the scheme pays the tax charge and reduces your pension at retirement.
Is the NHS pension the best pension in the UK?
The NHS pension is one of the best DB pensions available, with guaranteed income, CPI inflation protection, spouse's pension, and valuable death-in-service benefits. Employer contributions of 23.7% are exceptional.
Can I have an additional NHS pension?
Yes. NHS staff can contribute to Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) through Prudential. This supplements the main DB pension with a DC fund.
What is the death-in-service benefit in the NHS pension?
Two times pensionable pay is paid as a lump sum on death in service. There is also a spouse's / dependant's pension equal to 37.5% of the member's pension.
Can I opt out of the NHS pension?
Yes. You can opt out and receive employer contributions as additional pay (some trusts offer this). However, you lose the valuable employer contribution of 23.7% and the security of the DB guarantee.
What changes did the McCloud judgment cause?
The McCloud/Sargeant case found age discrimination in the 2015 transition. All members are now in the 2023 scheme with underpin protection ensuring older members are no worse off than under their legacy scheme.
How does the NHS pension 2023 differ from the 2015 scheme?
The 2023 scheme has the same 1/54th accrual and CPI+1.5% revaluation as the 2015 scheme, but the NPA is linked to State Pension Age rather than a fixed age. Benefits, contributions, and protection are similar.
