My options 

There are a variety of options for you to choose from when you retire.


Normal retirement age (also called Pension Age)

This is the age when you can take your benefits without them being reduced for early payment. ​CARE's normal retirement age is 60 for active members, and 65 for preserved members.

Early retirement

You may apply for early retirement from age 55 but your benefits will be lower because they are paid for longer.

Late retirement

If you keep working past your normal retirement age, you can continue to pay contributions and ​accrue benefits up to the maximum age of 75.

Ill-health

You can apply for an incapacity pension if you can no longer do your job because of ill health and you have five years' membership (including any which ​has been transferred-in) as long as you haven’t already taken your benefits.

Preserved benefits 

If you leave the Fund before you are eligible to take your benefits, you become a ‘preserved’ member. Your benefits are calculated at your leaving date and you don’t pay any more contributions. These benefits then increase in line with inflation every year until you start claiming them.

If you have any queries, please phone our Helpline on 0800 012 1117 or email csu@railpen.com.