The 50/50 section – Paying Less

The Local Government Pension Scheme is made up of two sections.  The main section is where you pay your normal pension contributions and build up the normal pension.  The 50/50 section is where you pay half your normal pension contributions and built up half your normal pension. While still having full survivors benefits and ill health cover that you would get if you were in the main section.

The extra flexibility to join the 50/50 section offers you a real alternative if you have been thinking about opting out of the LGPS altogether to save yourself money during the cost-of-living crisis.

It is important to remember the 50/50 section has been designed as short-term option to help you when times are financially tough. 

Your employer must auto enrol you back into the main section generally every three years.  This is called their automatic re-enrolment date.  They will also put you back into the main section if you have a period of absence, sickness, or injury where you are receiving no pay.  If you want to carry on using the 50/50 section, you just need to fill in a new 50/50 form and give it to your employer.

You also have the freedom to choose to move back to the main section of the scheme at any time and your employer will do this from your next pay period.

If you are paying additional pension contributions (APCs) then these would have to stop from the date you choose to join the 50/50 section unless they are to cover a period of absence from work.

More information about the 50/50 section can be found on our website and you can download the 50/50 application form here.