What it means to be a deferred member

You become a deferred member if you leave any of the firefighters' pension schemes or opt out after accruing pension benefits. Once deferred, your built‑up pension is preserved and continues to grow through annual revaluation until you draw it. Deferred benefits are typically payable at State Pension age (SPA).

Eligibility for deferred status

You are a deferred member if:

  • you left service with at least three months' pensionable membership
  • you opted out, but keep your accrued benefits in the scheme
  • you transferred out benefits, but retain residual service credit

Revaluation of deferred benefits in FPS 2015

FPS 2015 applies CARE style revaluation annually using the average weekly earnings measure, ensuring deferred pensions maintain their real value.

This revaluation is particularly important for long periods between leaving service and retirement, helping protect against inflation's impact over decades.

When you can take deferred benefits

Normal payment age

Your FPS 2015 deferred pension is paid in full at your State Pension age (60).

Early payment (from age 55)

Deferred members may draw their pension from age 55. However, it will be reduced using actuarial factors set by the Government Actuary's Department. These reductions reflect the longer payment period.

Link with earlier schemes

If you also have 1992 or 2006 scheme benefits, view the legacy schemes information on the FSP website. Payments follow the rules of those schemes for that portion.

Visit our thinking of retiring page.

Transferring your deferred pension

You may transfer your deferred pension to:

  • another UK occupational scheme
  • a personal pension plan
  • a qualifying overseas pension arrangement (QROPS)

Transfers must meet regulatory conditions and may require guarantee periods or quotations from administrators.

Death benefits for deferred members

If a deferred member dies before claiming their pension:

  • a partner's pension may be payable to a spouse, civil partner, or eligible cohabiting partner
  • eligible children can receive pensions until they reach the defined age/education limits
  • lump‑sum death benefits may be payable depending on circumstances

Firefighters should keep nominations up to date to ensure the correct recipient receives benefits.

Ill health retirement for deferred members

If you suffer from a medical condition preventing you from undertaking regular employment, you may apply for early ill health pension release from deferred status. Assessment criteria and benefit levels differ from those for an active member's ill health retirement.

Keeping in touch

As a deferred member, it is important to keep Pension Services informed about:

  • changes of address
  • changes in marital or partnership status
  • updated beneficiary nominations
  • new contact details

Updating your details

Keeping Pension Services updated ensures they can correctly process your deferred pension and any survivor benefits.

The best way to keep us informed is by registering on My Oxfordshire Pension.

How to update your details online