NHS maternity pay Q

[Laro2323]

Hello fellow NHS workers

Did you opt out of pension contributions whilst on mat leave? I'm trying to decide whether it's worth doing to have a bit of extra cash!

Thanks so much

I tried to on my last maternity and the response was that no one has done it before so they don’t know the process- basically made it out to be the worst decision I’d ever make and that I was ridiculous for even asking? I’m now going pension arrears and honestly have no clue. I’d like to do it this time but don’t even know how to? Have you had a chat with payroll about it?

*I’m now paying pension arrears

Remember that you lose your employer contributions as well. So more cash in hand but it's an expensive way of doing it.

I did and got some contributions back. Then rejoined but the scheme had changed. For what I saved and got back I’ve lost out of the better scheme. Wasn’t worth it for me.

If the NHS pension scheme is similar to mine (local government pension) then I was advised not to pause my pension contributions if at all possible as would miss out on employer contributions but also would not have death in harness cover either ❤️. I've also got the option to make an additional voluntary contribution within 90 days of returning to pay the final 3 months of no pay during my maternity leave which they would also pay the employer element too.