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 that a member did not have a disqualifying break. When members take their pension, the underpin check will include 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 – members have 12 months after joining the LGPS (NI) to decide whether to proceed with a pension transfer from another public service pension scheme. The protections in other public service schemes gives members 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 members transfer, they receive career average pension with a final salary underpin. Members do not need to make a choice in the LGPS (NI). The protection will automatically apply. If a member transfers protected benefits after a disqualifying break, they will lose their protection and receive a career average pension with no underpin protection in the LGPS (NI).