If you have another pension, you can apply to transfer it into the NHS Pension Scheme. Any pension transferred in will be added to your benefits in the NHS Pension Scheme.
Moving within the NHS
If you move from one NHS employer in England and Wales to another, you do not need to apply to transfer.
Your NHS Pension Scheme benefits will automatically link.
Transferring from Scotland or Northern Ireland
NHS Scotland and HSC Northern Ireland have their own schemes. Benefits will not transfer automatically if you move to an NHS employer in England and Wales so you’ll need to apply for a transfer.
The scheme your benefits will be transferred into depends on which scheme you were in and how long ago you left that scheme.
Time limits on transfers
There are time limits for you to transfer other pensions into the NHS Pension Scheme.
Transferring alternative pension benefits if you've retired with 1995 Section benefits
If you’ve already retired and taken your 1995 Section benefits and then returned to NHS work, you may be able to join the 2015 Scheme and build up further pension from 1 April 2023.
Before the changes take effect on 1 April 2023, you'll have previously been unable to build up further benefits in the NHS Pension Scheme. As a result, you may have an alternative pension arrangement, for example, the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST), or you may not be contributing to a pension scheme.
If you're newly eligible to join the 2015 Scheme from 1 April 2023 and wish to take up the option, your employer must set up membership for you and may need to end any alternative pension arrangement you have.
If you choose to end your membership to an alternative pension arrangement, for example NEST, and join the 2015 Scheme, you may be able to transfer your benefits from the alternative pension arrangement into the 2015 Scheme.
You have 12 months to transfer your benefits after becoming eligible to join the Scheme and must do so before the normal pension age for the Scheme which is your state pension age, or age 65 if higher.
Speak to your employer, payroll or pensions officer prior to completing the transfer application pack to let them know you wish to join the NHS Pension Scheme and that you are transferring a pension in. Your employer will then open a pension record for you.
How to apply
View the Transfer in guide and application pack (PDF: 1.2MB) and complete the application form.