Question 1

Can I take my 2015 NHS pension early?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The minimum pension age in the 2015 Scheme is 55. You can choose to take voluntary early retirement from that age and receive reduced benefits. The reduction is approximately 5% per year before your NPA of 67 — up to ~53% at age 55. ERRBO can eliminate the reduction for retirement at 65 or 66 if purchased in advance.

Question 2

How much is the NHS pension reduced if I retire early?

Accepted Answer

Retiring at 55 under the 1995 Section incurs a reduction of approximately 25%, while retiring at 55 under the 2008 Section results in approximately a 50% reduction. The reduction remains unchanged even when you reach your Normal Pension Age. 2015 Scheme reductions at 55 are approximately 53–55%.

Question 3

What is ERRBO and is it worth it?

Accepted Answer

ERRBO allows you or your employer to pay extra contributions so you can take your 2015 Scheme benefits at an unreduced level before your NPA — but not before age 65. It is worth considering if you are under 45, plan to retire at 65, and can afford the extra contribution. Use the early retirement calculator above to model the cost and break-even age for your specific circumstances.

Question 4

What is the minimum NHS retirement age in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The current minimum pension age is 55. The minimum pension age will increase to 57 from 6 April 2028 for those without a protected pension age. If you were in pensionable service on 4 November 2021 (2008 Section) or before 6 April 2006 (1995 Section), you may have a protected minimum pension age of 55.

Question 5

Can I take partial retirement from the NHS and keep working?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since October 2023, you can draw 20% to 100% of your accrued pension while continuing to work, provided you reduce your pensionable pay by at least 10%. No break in service is required for partial retirement.

Question 6

How is a 1995 Section NHS pension calculated at early retirement?

Accepted Answer

The 1995 Section builds 1/80th of final salary per year, with an automatic lump sum of 3 times the annual pension. Both are reduced by the actuarial reduction factor based on age in years and months at retirement. Enter your final salary, years of service, and planned retirement age into the NHS early retirement calculator to get your exact reduced figures.

Question 7

Does ill-health retirement require a minimum pension age?

Accepted Answer

Ill-health retirement is available without a minimum age requirement. It offers benefits without actuarial reduction for members unable to perform their NHS role (Tier 1), or enhanced benefits for members unable to do any regular employment (Tier 2).

Question 8

What happens to my NHS pension if I die after taking early retirement?

Accepted Answer

Your dependants will still receive any pension they are entitled to, and it is based on your pension before actuarial reduction. Early retirement does not reduce the survivor pension paid to your spouse or civil partner.

Question 9

How does the McCloud remedy affect my early retirement calculation?

Accepted Answer

NHSBSA will calculate both the legacy and 2015 Scheme options for the remedy period (April 2015 to March 2022) when you retire, and you choose the better one at that time. Most members retiring before State Pension Age benefit from the legacy scheme for the remedy period. The early retirement calculator models both options for members in scope.

Calculators

NHS Early Retirement Calculator 2026/27 | All Schemes Covered

NHS Overtime & Unsocial Hours Calculator 2026/27 & Guide

NHS Redundancy Calculator 2026/27 | AfC vs Statutory Pay England

NHS Annual Leave Calculator 2026/27 | AfC Entitlement Pro-Rata Hours

NHS Maternity Pay Calculator 2026 | Occupational + Statutory SMP OMP

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