OSPS Scheme Detail: General

How does membership of OSPS affect my state pension?

The State pension scheme is currently made up of two parts:

Basic State pension: everyone who has paid sufficient National Insurance contributions is currently entitled to the basic State pension at State pension age. The basic State pension is a flat rate pension which is reviewed each year by the Government.

State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS): SERPS was introduced in 1978. It is paid through full rate National Insurance contributions and provides an additional pension which is related to earnings. SERPS was replaced in April 2002 by the State Second Pension (S2P).

OSPS is contracted out of the second tier of state pension. This means that OSPS replaces the second-tier state pension you would otherwise receive. As a member of OSPS you will, as a general rule, not build up any state second-tier pension after 5 April 1995. The exception is for people on low incomes, who may build up an S2P top-up from April 2002 onwards.

Persons who were members of OSPS before 6 April 1995 should read the section on Special Provisions.

What will my State benefits be?

You can find out more about your State benefits by filling Form BR19: Application for a Retirement Pension Forecast, by phone or online. For further information on obtaining a forecast please consult the Pension Service website.

When can I receive my State Pension?

You can find out your state pension age from the Pension Service website.