If you have benefits on hold, also known as deferred benefits, you’ll receive an annual benefit statement before the end of May each year. If you have registered for My Pension you will receive an email from us letting you know it is there. If you have elected for paper communications, you will also receive your annual benefit statement through the post.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the annual benefit statement. Still want more information? Why not join one of our online events for benefit on hold members or watch our pre recorded presentations.
Where can I find my annual benefit statement?
You need to login in to your My Pension account. You can do this through the link in the member menu on the website. If you have any problems logging in or registering please visit our Support with my online account webpage.
Once you have logged in, you need to go to the My Documents tile and select 'Annual benefit statements'. You will then be able to see your most recent statement as well as those issued in previous years.
If you are currently receiving a GMP only pension, or a tier 3 ill health pension, you will instead need to select Letters from GMPF to view your statement.
What does my annual benefit statement show?
Your annual benefit statement contains:
- the original and current value of your pension
- information on your retirement date
- important choices to make at retirement
- details of your lump sum life cover.
When can I access my benefits?
You can access your benefits at any date after you reach age 55. If you choose to access your benefits before your normal pension age (which is shown in your annual benefit statement) then early retirement reductions will apply as we will be paying your pension for longer than expected.
You can read more about when and how you can access your benefits on hold on our website as well as the early retirement factors that would apply.
Can I access part of my pension?
No. When accessing your benefits you must take all your benefits at once.
How does freedom and choice in pensions apply to my LGPS pension?
The freedom and choice changes to pensions were not designed to impact schemes like GMPF. These changes are aimed at giving people with personal pensions more choice in how they access them.
For more information on freedom and choice and transferring your pension please visit our page what are your options when opting out, leaving or transferring.
Can I request an estimate or formal offer of my benefits?
You can use the Pension calculator in My Pension to calculate your benefits using different dates of retirement and conversion options. These figures are for illustrative purposes only, but if you are thinking of retiring soon then you can also request an offer of your benefits either through the 'Pay my Pension' option of your My Pension account or by contacting us. We strongly suggest you do this at least four months before your intended retirement date to allow enough time for all the tasks to be completed.
For more information please visit our when and how you can access your benefits on hold page.
Will you also send me a paper copy?
We won't send you a paper copy unless you have already asked us to do so. If you want to receive future communications by post, then you must write to us at the address below to let us know:
Guardsman Tony Downes House
5 Manchester Road
Droylsden
M43 6SF
If you need a paper copy of your most recent annual statement, please ask us for one when you write to us.
If you need a one off paper copy of this year's annual benefits statement please contact us via telephone and we will post you a paper statement.
If your needs change and you think you would benefit from receiving communications from us in a different format, for example large print, braille, audio, or on different coloured paper, please call our Customer Service team on 0161 301 7000 and we can update your record.
Pension scams
More so than ever, pension scammers are looking to exploit savers out of their valuable pension benefits. Pension scams often involve attractive offers for transferring or accessing your benefits early.
Please visit our Pension scams page for help with spotting the signs and additional information.