Life changes

Some of these life changes are listed below, but you can find more information in your member's guide by logging into your myFund account (or registering if you haven't already).  

Taking leave

If you’re absent from work, you’ll need to check about continuing contributions with your employer.

If you get maternity, paternity, additional paternity, family or adoption leave pay, your contributions are based on what you are earning at that time, but your benefits are based on your normal rate of pay. You can learn more about how these life changes may affect your pension in the Guide to family leave.

Taking a career break

If you are absent from work, you will need to check about continuing contributions with your employer.

Ill-health

You may not want to think about it too much, but it's comforting to know that provisions may be available if you have to retire due to ill health.

If you meet the criteria, you may be able to apply for an incapacity pension, subject to meeting certain conditions. Read more details in the Guide to applying for Incapacity Benefits.

Divorce or dissolution

The breakdown of a relationship is a difficult time for everyone, but it’s still important to understand the impact on your financial future.

If you face divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, your pension is likely to be considered along with your other assets when financial settlements are worked out. A court order can be made to transfer part of the value of your pension benefits during the divorce or dissolution proceedings. If this is the case, it would mean your Scheme benefits will reduce to provide benefits for your ex-spouse or ex-civil partner. 

For more information about divorce and your pension please check the Read as You Need guide on divorce and dissolution. It includes details on: 

• Pension sharing orders and pension attachment orders
• Getting a CETV (Cash Equivalent Transfer Value)
• How your benefits are affected
• Administration charges