Your pension usually increases every April in line with the cost of living.
The previous year’s rise in inflation from 30 September to 30 September is used to calculate the increase you get.
Every year the figure is different and it’s determined by a lot of different factors, so it’s impossible to predict how much your next increase is going to be.
In April 2011 the increase is 3.1%.
In April 2010 there was no increase.
The April 2009 increase was 5%, the April 2008 increase was 3.9% and the previous few years’ increases have been as follows:
| Date of increase |
Increase % |
| 09 April 2007 |
3.6 |
| 10 April 2006 |
2.7 |
| 11 April 2005 |
3.1 |
| 12 April 2004 |
2.8 |
| 07 April 2003 |
1.7 |
| 08 April 2002 |
1.7 |
| 09 April 2001 |
3.3 |
| 10 April 2000 |
1.1 |
If you’ve only just started getting your pension, your first increase will be a proportion of the full increase.
When you reach state pension age
When you reach state pension age, the increase in your pension is shared between two sources - your pension from us, and your guaranteed minimum pension.
Any portion of your guaranteed minimum pension earned before 1988 stays the same - that increase goes on your state pension instead.
Any portion of your guaranteed minimum pension earned after 1988 increases by up to 3%.
What if you’ve retired early?
Before you’re 55, if you’re still capable of work:
- your pension won’t increase - it will be paid at a flat rate
After 55:
Your pension will go up to the amount it would have been if it had been increasing.
Your pension will continue to increase yearly in line with inflation.
More information
A Guide to the Local Government Pension Scheme has full details of the LGPS. If you would rather receive a copy by post, contact us.