FAQs
If you have any questions that are not covered in this section, please contact us and let us know.
General
How is the Scheme governed?
The Trustees look after the Scheme, and ensure that benefits are paid in line with the Trust Deed and Rules.
I have moved home recently. How do I let you know about my new address?
The easiest way for you to let us know that you have moved is to call us on 01732 207500 (option 1) or send us an email to ASS001.admin@firstactuarial.co.uk.
Please include your full name, your old and new address and your National Insurance number and date of birth on your email. We recommend that you put this information in a password-protected attachment. If you would prefer to send this information in a letter, you can write to The Trustees of the ACCA Staff Pension Scheme, First Actuarial LLP, Fosse House, 182 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BE.
I got married recently. Do you need to know about this?
If you have changed your name, you should let us know so we can update our records.
To update our records, we will need to see your marriage certificate or change of name deed. You can send the original document to us by post, or send a scanned copy or photograph by email to ASS001.admin@firstactuarial.co.uk. Please include a photograph of the back of the document. The postal address is The Trustees of the ACCA Staff Pension Scheme, First Actuarial LLP, Fosse House, 182 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BE. Be sure to include your previous name and your date of birth. We will return any original documents to you by recorded delivery on the day of receipt.
You may also wish to consider updating your Expression of Wish form.
Why do I need to fill in an Expression of Wish form?
The Expression of Wish form is considered by the Trustees when deciding to whom any lump sum benefits should be paid, in the event of your death. The Trustees also consider other information, such as whether you have any children or other dependants, when making their decision.
Where can I fill in an Expression of Wish form?
You can download an Expression of Wish form from the Documents page of this website. Alternatively contact First Actuarial and we will send a copy to you in the post.
I have a complaint. Who should I contact?
We are sorry that you have a complaint. As a first step, please let us try to put this right, contact the Scheme administrators and let them know the details of your complaint. If this does not satisfactorily resolve your complaint, you should raise a formal complaint by following the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure, which can be found on the Documents page of this website - alternatively contact First Actuarial and we will send a copy to you in the post.
How do I ask a question that isn’t answered here?
You can contact the Scheme administrators using the details on the Contact Us page of this website to ask any questions that haven’t been covered on this page.
I haven’t started taking my pension yet
When can I retire?
The normal retirement age for most members of the Scheme is now 65, but if you left the Scheme before July 2007 it could be 60 or 62.
You can take your pension at any time between age 55 (this is changing to age 57 from 6 April 2028) and age 75. If you take it before your normal retirement age it will be reduced for early payment. If you take it later it will receive a late retirement uplift.
Your pension may be made up of elements with different normal retirement ages. You must take all of your pension at the same time. Each element will be calculated separately then they will be added together for your pension figure at your chosen retirement date.
How can I get an estimate of my pension?
You can use the retirement modeller on this website for retirement illustrations at any date. You can find it under My Pension, Retirement planning. Alternatively you can contact us at ASS001.admin@firstactuarial.co.uk.
What are Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)?
You previously had the option to pay extra contributions to the Scheme to build up additional pension benefits.
These Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) are held separately from the Scheme in your personal AVC pot. Your AVC pot will be invested, so the value can go down as well as up, and you might get back less than you put in.
How can I take my AVCs?
You have several choices in how you take your AVC benefits. Subject to HMRC limits, you can use your AVCs provide some, or all, of your tax-free cash at retirement. Alternatively, you can transfer your AVC pot to an insurance company, where you can buy an annuity, take it all as cash or make gradual withdrawals. Contact us if you would like a retirement illustration combining your AVC pot with your main Scheme benefits.
What is my State Pension Age?
Your State Pension Age depends on your gender and when you were born. You can find out your State Pension Age on the following website, gov.uk/state-pension-age
I’m already in receipt of my pension
When does my pension increase each year?
Pensions in payment are increased on 1 April each year.
What pension is payable to my spouse if I were to die?
Upon your death, a pension of 50% of the amount you were receiving (before any reduction due to any tax-free cash sum you may have taken on retiring) will be paid to your spouse, civil partner or eligible dependant. The pension will be lower if they are more than 10 years younger than you.