HPSS Superannuation Scheme

Please note this is an overview, it is not a full statement of the legislation for GP locum medical practitioner members of the Scheme.

GP locum work builds up Scheme membership in a similar way as for assistant practitioners.

Freelance GP locums who keep making claims on forms GP Locum A & B and C & D will continue in membership without a break until they stop all GP locum work for more than 3 months.

Scheme members with other GMS or hospital superannuable employments, as well as their GP Locum work, will remain members until all their HPSS superannuable work ceases.

GP Locums who deputise or cover for an absent GMS GP are responsible for forwarding GP Locum forms A & B and contributions (6%) to Central Services Agency (CSA). GP Locums who deputise or cover for an absent OOHP GP.are responsible for forwarding GP Locum forms C & D and employee (6%) and employer (7%) contributions to CSA.

Scheme members with other GMS or hospital superannuable employments, as well as their GP locum work, will remain members until all their HPSS superannuable work ceases.

All the pensionable income you earn throughout your career as a GP locum will be uprated (dynamised) each year along with your other pensionable practitioner income and then totalled at retirement. This total dynamised career income is then multiplied by a factor of 1.4% to produce your pension. You will also receive a tax-free lump sum, which is normally 3 times the annual pension.

EXAMPLE:

Annual pensionable income = £30,000 (after dynamising - see above)

Years in NHS Scheme = 40

40 x £30,000 = £1,200,000

£1,200,000 x 1.4% = £16,800 annual pension

Lump Sum = £50,400 (tax free)

More information is contained in the 'Benefits for Practitioners' Guide, which can be obtained by contacting HPSS Superannuation Branch on 02871 319140.

If you leave HPSS employment or decide to leave the Scheme:

More information is contained in the 'Leaving the Scheme' Guide, which can be obtained by contacting HPSS Superannuation Branch on 02871 319140.

If you become too ill to continue work in your present job you may be able to retire early. To be eligible for these benefits you have to have at least 2 years calendar length membership in the Scheme but if you have at least 5 years calendar length membership when you retire your membership will be increased to improve the pension you get. Generally the more membership you have the better the enhancements. You must retire from all your pensionable posts to quality for the Ill Health pension.

More information is contained in the 'Early Retirement' Guide, which can be obtained by contacting HPSS Superannuation Branch on 02871 319140.

Enhanced spouse and child benefits are payable in certain circumstances if you die during membership or have to retire early on ill-health grounds. A lump sum on death is also payable if you die whilst in membership of the Scheme. This amount will be twice the annual average dynamised income and will be payable if you die at any time during the period of a contract for GP locum work in which you are a contributing member of the Scheme,. Death in service benefits are not payable for a GP locum who dies after ceasing to be a Scheme member of during breaks between contracted locum work, however, other benefits are payable.

More information is contained in the 'Family Benefits and Life Assurance' Guide which can be obtained by contacting HPSS Superannuation Branch on 02871 319140.

If you are a Scheme member who undertakes pensionable GP locum work the pay that is used to calculate death benefits will include any GP locum earnings.

If you die after retirement a spouse's pension is payable, which is usually 50% of your pension. Children's allowances may also be paid for dependants who are under age 17 or in full time education. Child allowance is 25% of your pension for each child up to a maximum of 2 children.

More information is contained in the 'Family Benefits and Life Assurance' Guide which can be found under 'HPSS Superannuation Scheme Publications'.

Please note that there are no rights to redundancy, injury benefits, sick leave or pensionable maternity/paternity pay for GP locum work.

HPSS Pensions are fully index linked from the age of 55 to protect them against inflation. this means that they are increased each year in line with the cost of living, for as long as they are paid. The HPSS Ill Health pension is index linked regardless of age at the time it came into payment.

Retired General Practitioners

Retired GPs working as locums cannot rejoin the Scheme if they are receiving a Scheme pension, So, if you retire and take your pension on age grounds, it will not be possible for you to rejoin the Scheme if you undertake further HPSS work. However, if you retire on ill-health grounds and then wish to rejoin the Scheme and are under age 50, you will be able to contribute for further benefits.

As a GP locum you can, subject to Inland Revenue limits, contribute up to a further 9%, in order to purchase added years, or take out a HPSS money purchase additional voluntary contribution (MPAVC) contract or a freestanding additional voluntary contribution (FSAVC) contract. It may also be possible for you to pay into a personal pension or a stakeholder pension.

More information is contained in the 'Increasing Your Benefits' Guide which can be found under 'HPSS Superannuation Scheme Publications'.

BMA members can obtain a copy of the 'Improving Pension and Lump Sum Benefits' guidance note from you local BMA office or the BMA website at www.bma.org.uk. HPSS Superannuation Branch strongly advises members to seek independent financial advice before choosing the type of extra pension cover.

If you would like further independent advice, click below: Independent Financial Advice.