Opting out of the Fund

You might feel that paying into a pension isn’t right for you at the minute – although you are strongly advised to take independent advice before making such an important decision.

How do I opt out?

If you have decided to opt out of the Fund, the first thing you should do is to contact your employer, who will trigger the Opt out process on your behalf. They will then contact Railpen, the administrator of your pension to let them know, and Railpen will send you your opt-out pack. 

You should read the information in the pack thoroughly before completing the opt-out form and returning it to Railpen.

If you have less than two years’ membership (including any transferred-in membership), you will be entitled to a transfer to another pension arrangement. You will only have the alternative option of a refund of your contributions (less tax and National Insurance) if you did not pay contributions through BTP’s salary sacrifice arrangement, Pension Plus.

If you have over two years' membership, your benefits will be preserved until you retire or transfer them to another pension arrangement.