Defence
Find out how to transfer benefits in and out of the Armed Forces Pension Schemes.
Temporary Suspension of Processing Applications for Divorce and Transfers
Since HM Treasury reissued its guidance, it is necessary for SPVA to temporarily stop processing any applications relating to Divorce (including pension sharing orders) and Transfers received after 25 October 2011. See Related Pages on the right hand side for further information.
There are two types of transfer in:
A "club" transfer
A club transfer takes place when the previous arrangement is a member of the public sector transfer club and under this transfer you would receive a service credit of equivalent value to that built up in the previous scheme, regardless of any change in salary.
A "non-club" transfer
A non-club transfer takes place if the previous scheme is not a member of the public sector transfer club and you would receive a lower service credit under these arrangements.
Transferring in
Transferring pension benefits into AFPS 75
If you are a member of AFPS 75 then you are now no longer able to transfer any pension benefits into the scheme. This is because there is a time limit of undertaking this option - within one year of taking up employment - and AFPS 75 has been closed to new entrants from 5 Apr 05.
Transferring pension benefits into AFPS 05
If you are a member of Armed Forces Pensions Scheme (AFPS) 05 and have built up pension benefits elsewhere before joining the Armed Forces you have the option to transfer in the value of your other benefits to receive a service credit in AFPS 05.
If you are a member of AFPS 05 you can undertake a "club" transfer within one year of taking up employment and "non-club" transfers before the beginning of your final year of service before your pension is due.
What do I need to do to arrange a transfer in of benefits?
Before you apply to Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) for a transfer you need to obtain details of the amount of your transfer value from your previous pension scheme, and then an estimate from SPVA of the additional reckonable service that this will buy in your new scheme. If you decide to go ahead with the transfer, you should make your application to SPVA in writing (see address on the right).
How is the amount calculated?
SPVA use factor tables to determine the amount of reckonable service to be credited. These tables relate to the sex and age of the individual. See the links on the right for the factor tables.
You must be serving in the Armed Forces to be eligible to transfer in and once you have committed yourself to a transfer from your previous pension scheme, you cannot change your mind.
Transferring out
If you leave AFPS 75 or AFPS 05 without receiving immediate pension benefits (including leaving with an Early Departure Payment (EDP) under AFPS 05) you have the option to transfer the value of your preserved pension benefits to another pension arrangement.
Transferring Benefits Out of AFPS 75 or AFPS 05
If you leave the Armed Forces with a preserved pension and take up new employment where an occupational pension scheme is available, you can transfer your preserved AFPS benefits into that scheme.
You can apply for a transfer at any time up to one year before your benefits become payable or up to six months after leaving the Armed Forces, if that is later, provided you left the Armed Forces on or after 1 Jan 86. However, the receiving scheme may also impose its own time limits for transfers in.
How is the transfer value calculated?
SPVA use a set of factor tables linked to your age and sex. These are linked on the right for your information.
Once the transfer of funds is completed, you will have given up forever your rights and those of your dependants under these schemes.
Where can I get more information?
The booklet "Transferring Benefits" provides more information and points out some of the issues you should consider before undertaking any transfer of benefits. The SPVA Help Desk can also answer any queries you have.
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