The UK Government has confirmed that the Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA)—the earliest age at which most people can access their pension—will increase from age 55 to age 57, effective from 6 April 2028.
This change applies to most pension schemes, including the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), unless you are retiring due to ill health. Special rules apply if a member has to retire because of ill health.
What does this mean for your employees?
- If they were born after 5 April 1973, they will need to wait until age 57 to access their pension.
- If they were born between 6 April 1971 and 5 April 1973, they may still access their pension at age 55—but only if they do so before 6 April 2028.
- If they were born on or before 6 April 1971, they will already be 57 by the time the change takes effect, so it won’t impact them.
Protection may apply for those who joined the LGPS before 4 November 2021 or transferred a previous pension into the LGPS, subject to certain conditions. The Government has not yet confirmed whether LGPS rules will allow protected members to continue accessing their pension from age 55. Updates will be shared once a decision is made.
Please remind your employees to review their pension statements and visit www.gov.uk for the latest updates.
