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Transferring into the Scheme

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.

1995 Section

You must apply to transfer benefits into the 1995 Section:

  • within 12 months of joining for the first time
  • before your normal pension age

2008 Section and 2015 Scheme

You must apply to transfer benefits into the Scheme:

  • within 12 months of becoming eligible to join the Scheme for the first time
  • before your normal pension age

Transition members

A transition member is a member of the 2015 Scheme who is also a member of the 1995/2008 Scheme.

They have the right to apply for a transfer into the 1995 or 2008 Section.

They must apply within 12 months of being eligible to join the 1995 or 2008 Section respectively.

How to apply

View the Transfer in guide and application pack (PDF: 616KB) and complete the application form.