I am an NHS employee from overseas and been here for less than 2 years. DH and I are not likely to stay in the UK permanently, but might. I am paying about £170 into the pension per month and our finances are quite tight at present. I read online that I can leave the pension scheme before my 2 year anniversary and have my contributions refunded. I am 33.
If we do stay permanently, can I rejoin the scheme at a later date? I am aware I will have to pay tax on refunded contributions but are there other penalties I will face monthly? Are there other things to think about or consider? The scheme says that I can receive my contributions if I move overseas but everything I've found online (Money Saving Expert, etc) says that the money can't actually be transferred, esp if you are an overseas person/not UK citizen.