After 31 March 2014

After 31 March 2014, elected members (councillors) are not permitted to join the LGPS.

Councillors, who were scheme members on 31 March 2014, could remain active members until the end of their current period in office. Membership had to end then, even if re-elected. A term of office ends on the fourth day after the ordinary day of the election.

At this point, councillors then become deferred members.

Eligible councillors

Visit the LGPS members' website for details about councillor pensions.

Manage your deferred benefit online

Via My Oxfordshire Pension, you can:

  • check and update your details, for example, your home address or email address
  • update who receives your benefits
  • view documents related to your deferred pension
  • download pension forms

Learn how to manage your pension online.

Tell us who you want benefits paid to (death grant)

The LGPS provides valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.

There could be a lump sum payment (called a death grant) due if your death is:

  • while in service
  • after leaving the scheme, and you have not yet retired, and the fund holds your deferred benefit
  • in some circumstances, after you have started to draw your pension

Oxfordshire Pension Fund has absolute discretion about payment. But to assist with their decision, complete an expression of wish form (death grant). The form will indicate where you want the death grant paid. The form is available on My Oxfordshire Pension.

Tell us if your circumstances or personal details change

You need to tell us when you change your details, including:

  • your address
  • bank details
  • marital status

The quickest way to update your details is via My Oxfordshire Pension.

When you can claim your pension

The earliest we can pay a pension on your request is at age 55. Your pension will be reduced if you take it early, because it will be paid out for a longer period. You must provide Pension Services with three months' written notice of your planned early payment date. 

You must start receiving your pension before you are 75.