Overview
We have published a guide to explain the six key steps of the process NHS Pension Scheme members whose pension contributions are administered by PCSE need to follow if they wish to claim NHS Pension retirement benefits.
We recommend you read the guide in full, 12 months before the date you plan to retire.
Access the guide below.
The retirement process
There is a six step retirement process outlined in the table below:
Step | Description | Timeframe |
| Obtain agreement of the date you can retire from the relevant parties | At least 6 months before retirement date |
| 2. Make sure your pension record is up to date | Review your records to ensure that they are accurate and up to date. Submit any missing annual certificates or self-assessment forms via PCSE Online | At least 6 months before retirement date |
| 3. Submit your AW8 form to PCSE | Once your retirement date has been agreed and you have confirmed your records are up to date, you need to submit a Retirement Benefits Claim Form (AW8) to PCSE | 4-6 months before retirement date |
| 4. Submit your performer list retirement or 24 hour retirement | Log in to PCSE Online and submit your retirement /24 hour retirement request to the Performer List team | 4-6 months before retirement date |
| 5. PCSE will process your AW8 | PCSE will contact you if there is any missing information or documents required for your AW8 form to be processed and submitted to NHS Pensions | 1-3 months before retirement date |
| 6. NHS Pensions will calculate your pension | Once NHS Pensions has received the processed AWS8 form from PCSE, they will calculate your pensions benefits and send you a letter of confirmation | From 1 month before until 30 days post-retirement date |
You can download the AW8 form and a copy of the NHS Pensions Retirement Guide directly from the NHS Pensions website via the links below.
Once you complete the AW8, you can submit it to PCSE, along with your documents, via our online enquiries form, using the link below.
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