Transfer into the LGPS (NI) before 1 October 2023 – the McCloud Remedy applies to all public service pension schemes. Pension benefits that originally had protection in another scheme will continue to be protected in the LGPS (NI), provided you did not have a disqualifying break. When you take your pension, the underpin check will include your transferred in service that relates to the protected period from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022. This is complicated and it could be some time before all the guidance and information is in place to deal with these transfers.
Transfer into the LGPS (NI) on or after 1 October 2023 – you have 12 months after joining the LGPS (NI) to decide to proceed with a pension transfer from another public service pension scheme. The protections in other public service schemes gives you the choice of either final salary or career average pension benefits for the period from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022. The protection is different in the LGPS (NI) where, if you transfer, you receive career average pension with a final salary underpin. If you transfer protected benefits after a disqualifying break, you will lose your protection and receive a career average pension with no underpin protection in the LGPS (NI).