LGPS - buy back lost pensions during unpaid leave

[Potatohead2]

Hi everyone, I’m 35 yo and recently returned to work from a 12 month MAT leave. The last 3 months were unpaid and I can buy back lost pension within the next 3 weeks to keep my continuous service status. Is continuous service status that important? I definitely intend to continue working in many more years so I can get back the continuous service status in 2 years, is that right or am I missing something here? I did buy back lost pension when I returned from my first MAT leave because I thought I had to… but money is really tight now and I’m not sure if this is a right decision… Any advice??

I think it’s important if you became unwell and needed to get an ill health pension? Check but I’m pretty sure. Ie you need continuous service of at least two years to be eligible for it. Otherwise you wouldn’t be eligible for it but do check esp if you’ve been on mat leave. If that is the case then I’d say it’s super important and worth paying

You’re talking 3 months of your pension contributions to buy it back? How much is that and how tight are your financials? Would your partner stop paying his pension for 3 months if money is so tight? If not you need to make sure you budget for yours.