Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a deduction to my pension called NI mod. What is this for?
What percentage pension increase was awarded this year?
My tax code has changed. Why?
Can I give you a change of address/change of bank details over the phone?
How can I increase my pension benefits for retirement?
My job is being evaluated, what happens to my pension benefits?

I have a deduction to my pension called NI mod. What is this for?
This is known as pension modification. This deduction is made to all pensioners who were members of the Local Government Pension Scheme between 06 July 1948 to 31 March 1980. Anyone who was a member between these dates paid reduced contributions of 6 pence per week. As a result £1.70 for each year of membership between this period is deducted from your pension annually. This deduction is applied from State Pension Age and will always be deducted from your pension.

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What percentage pension increase was awarded this year?
With effect from 7 April 2008, a 3.9% pension increase was awarded to all pensions that had been in payment for a full year. Any pensions that had been in payment for less than one year were awarded a proportioned increase. Please note however, that if you are over state pension age your Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) is not increased in the same way. Any Pre April 1988 GMP accrued whilst you were a member of the scheme is not increased by Aberdeen City Council Pension Scheme. Any Post April 1988 GMP is subject to a maximum increase of 3.0%. The State are responsible for any increases to this element of your pension.

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My tax code has changed. Why?
We received many tax code changes from the Inland Revenue following the end of the tax year. You will have to contact the Inland Revenue to discuss your coding. The number is 0845 0703 703. Please have your National Insurance number ready and they will be able to help you.

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Can I give you a change of address/change of bank details over the phone?
We are happy to accept your change of address over the telephone. We will amend our records as soon as possible to ensure that any future correspondence will be sent to the correct address. However, we are unable to accept any change of bank details over the phone for security reasons. Please send any change of details either by using the tear out slip found in the middle of your monthly payslip or by letter.

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How can I increase my pension benefits for retirement?
There are many ways in which you can increase your benefits for retirement. You can elect to pay for direct membership in our scheme or you can pay additional voluntary contributions (AVC's) into a seperate fund. The pension section has a booklet that we can send out which will help explain your options. If you require any further information once you have read through the booklet please call back or come in to see one of our pension officers who will be happy to help you. Please note that staff within the pension section are not authorised to give financial advice we can only assist by giving you the details.

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My job is being evaluated, what happens to my pension benefits?

If a reduction in your remuneration has been enforced under circumstances beyond your control, then your employer may issue a Certificate of Protection of Pension Benefits.

The Certificate will be valid from the initial date of reduction to your contract (not the date when any pay protection ceases) and will be valid for a maximum of ten years. Please note that you will pay pension contributions on any protected pay.

If you leave or retire after 10 years from the date of reduction then the Certificate will provide you with NO PROTECTION.

As an alternative, you may cancel the Certificate within 12 months of issue and opt for deferred benefits on your membership prior to the date of reduction.

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