You can opt out of PPS 2006 at any time. You will need to complete and return an option form (see below), and return this to your employer. If you opt out in the first three months of your police service, your decision is back-dated to the date of your becoming a regular police officer. If you decide to leave PPS 2006 at any other future date, your decision will take effect from your next pay day after receipt of your notice to opt out.

Opting out of PPS will have a number of consequences, including:

• If you build up two years or more pensionable service in PPS 2006 and then opt out, you will be entitled to a deferred pension, which would generally be payable from age 65

• If you die in service when you have opted out of PPS 2006, no lump sum death grant is payable

• As someone who is not an active member of PPS 2006 you will not be eligible for an ill-health pension if you are medically retired, although you will qualify for early payment of your deferred pension if you are assessed as permanently disabled for all regular employment

If you opt out of PPS 2006 with less than two years’ qualifying service, your pension contributions will be refunded.

If you are thinking of opting out of PPS 2006, you are strongly recommended to take independent financial advice before you make a decision.

Opportunities to re-join at a later date

If you opt out of PPS 2006, you may be able to re-join. You can only join PPS 2006. You may need to undergo a medical examination at your expense to determine whether you will be eligible for ill-health benefits.

Please bear in mind that you will not be able to opt back into the PPS 2006 from 1st April 2015.

Application to opt out of the Police Pension Scheme 2006