Can I transfer in other pensions?

You may be able to transfer pension rights into the LGPS from:

• Another LGPS fund
• A previous employer’s pension scheme
• A self employed pension plan
• A personal pension plan
• A stakeholder pension scheme

Transfers in from other schemes during the first 12 months of employment

If you wish to transfer pension rights from a previous pension arrangement you must request it in writing within the first 12 months of employment.  Your employer may decide to extend this period, but you should check their policy on this. If you wish to request a transfer value from you previous scheme/s, please complete a Transfer Value Authority form.

Please note that this form only authorises Cheshire Pension Fund to request information from your previous pension providers.  It does not commit you to the transfer.  You will only be committed to the transfer after you have received a transfer quotation from Cheshire Pension Fund and confirmed back in writing that you wish to proceed with the transfer. 

NB.  You are advised to apply for a transfer quotation in good time to satisfy the 12 month time limit.

Transfers in from other schemes after the first 12 months of employment

If you wish to transfer pension rights from a previous pension arrangement but have been employed in your current role for more than 12 months you will need approval from your employer before the Cheshire Pension Fund can investigate a transfer. You should contact your employer’s HR department and they will notify you of their decision. If your employer is happy to extend the transfer deadline they will notify the Cheshire Pension Fund directly.

Transfers in from other Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds

If you wish to transfer pension rights from a former LGPS fund you must request it in writing within the first 12 months of employment.  You will then receive a letter and election form from the Cheshire Pension Fund providing you with the option to transfer.  However please note if you left your previous fund after the 31 March 2014, these benefits will automatically be combined with the Cheshire Pension Fund after 12 months unless you have notified us in writing that you do not want to do this.

If you left your former fund before 31 March 2014 you have the option to transfer your benefits into the CARE scheme with the Cheshire Pension Fund or to transfer them as final salary benefits. Transfers in this scenario are not automatic so you will need to let us know if you want to go ahead within the first 12 months of employment.