NHS Additional Pension Calculator
Calculate additional pension costs for NHS 2015 Scheme members
Calculate Your Additional Pension
Your Additional Pension Calculation
What is NHS Additional Pension?
Additional pension allows active NHS 2015 Pension Scheme members to purchase extra annual pension to increase retirement income. This benefit is added to your standard NHS pension when you retire.
Key Features
- Available only to active contributing members of the 2015 NHS Pension Scheme
- Purchase amounts from £250 up to £8,721 per year (in £250 multiples)
- Two payment options: single lump sum or monthly payments over 1-20 years
- Optional dependant cover providing benefits for spouse, partner or children
- Must complete payments before normal pension age
Important Note
Additional pension can only be purchased for the 2015 Scheme. The 1995 and 2008 NHS Pension Schemes closed on 31 March 2022.
How Additional Pension Works
Purchase Options
You can buy additional pension through two methods:
- Lump Sum Payment: Make a single payment to purchase your desired additional pension amount
- Monthly Contributions: Spread the cost over 1-20 years through regular salary deductions
Dependant Benefits
Additional pension can include cover for dependants:
- Adult dependants receive £93.75 annually for each £250 of additional pension purchased
- Dependent children receive £187.50 annually for each £250 purchased
- Dependant cover increases the cost of additional pension purchase
Cost Factors
The cost of additional pension depends on several factors:
- Your age at time of purchase (younger members pay less)
- Amount of additional pension desired
- Whether dependant cover is included
- Payment method chosen
Tax Benefits
Additional pension contributions receive tax relief at your marginal rate, making this an efficient way to boost retirement income whilst reducing current tax liability.
Application Process
Before Applying
- Read the NHS additional pension factsheet thoroughly
- Consider your financial circumstances and retirement goals
- Check if your birthday falls within the next 6 weeks
- Consult with a financial adviser if needed
Application Steps
- Complete your calculation using this tool
- Download and complete the Election to purchase additional pension (AP1) form
- Submit the form to your employer or pension officer within 6 weeks
- Wait up to 6 weeks for application confirmation
Timing Consideration
If your birthday is within 6 weeks, wait until after your birthday before calculating and applying. This ensures your calculation remains valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only active contributing members of the NHS 2015 Pension Scheme can purchase additional pension. You must be in good health, not absent from work due to illness, and below your normal pension age.
You can purchase up to £8,721 of additional annual pension in multiples of £250. This limit applies regardless of any previous additional pension purchases in the closed 1995 or 2008 schemes.
After submitting your AP1 form, it takes up to 6 weeks to confirm your additional pension application. You must submit the form within 6 weeks of your calculation.
Once your additional pension contract begins, you generally cannot cancel or reduce it. Consider your decision carefully and seek financial advice if needed before applying.
If you leave NHS employment before completing monthly payments, you may need to pay the outstanding balance as a lump sum or make alternative arrangements. Contact NHS Pensions for guidance.
Additional Pension vs Other Options
Additional Pension Benefits
- Guaranteed income increase linked to inflation
- No investment risk – secure government-backed scheme
- Tax-efficient way to boost retirement income
- Optional dependant benefits
Alternative Options
Other ways to increase NHS pension benefits include:
- Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs): Separate investment account with potential for higher returns but with investment risk
- Private pensions: Personal pension arrangements outside the NHS scheme
- ISAs and other savings: Tax-efficient savings vehicles
References
- NHS Business Services Authority. (2025). Additional Pension Calculator. Retrieved from https://additional-pension-calculator.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/
- NHS Business Services Authority. (2025). Additional pension factsheet. NHS Pensions Member Guide.
- NHS Business Services Authority. (2020). Increasing your pension – Additional pension. Retrieved from https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/member-hub/increasing-your-pension/additional-pension
- Government Actuary’s Department. (2024). NHS Pension Scheme Valuation Report. HM Treasury.
- The NHS Pension Scheme Regulations 2015. (2015). Statutory Instruments 2015 No. 94. The Stationery Office.