Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Original poster

Can someone explain civil service pensions please?

29 replies

Beautifulpeartree · 08/09/2025 16:03

Trying to decide if I should apply for a civil service job or not. I have always worked on private sector and have a private DC pension.

I am early 50 and planning to retire in 5 or 7 years with D; ge is 8 years older than me.

When can you claim civil service pension? Is it worth it starting this late in life? Or is it better to continue in private sector with a higher salary so I can contribute more.? The work life balance is what appeals to me reg civil service jobs plus doing something different, contribute to society somehow.

OP posts:
ScratchedSkirtings · 11/09/2025 08:15

Beautifulpeartree · 11/09/2025 08:08

Hmm. I guess I will need to prepare. Just trying to get my mind around all the job hunting process; it is not as simple when you reached 50. Trying to get myself motivated after burnout at big 4. I thought I was going to stay until retirement as I was dreading job hunting and having to prove myself again. It is easier in your 20s and 30s.

Edited
Show quote history

Ah but you are also wiser now- I find it all much less nerve wracking in my later 40s, and having been on the other side of the process more… feels less existential!

helpfulperson · 11/09/2025 08:20

YelloDaisy · 11/09/2025 06:57

ccrue £812 pension. If your salary stayed the same for 10 years you get a pension of £8,120 per year.

Really? You save up £8,120 into your fund - then it’s paid out at £8,120 a Year til you die?

No, for each year you work you pay a percentage of your salary to the scheme. This then guarantees you an certain amount per year when you retire. If that sum is £812 per annum you will get that (plus increased) every year until you die whether that is 2 years or 30 year after retirement.

Original poster
Beautifulpeartree · 11/09/2025 08:31

ScratchedSkirtings · 11/09/2025 08:13

The civil service has quite particularly recruitment- you need to learn to tick their boxes, their way- there are lots of CS people on Mumsnet, and threads on how to navigate the process. Expect for it to take a few goes while you get the hang of it, however fab a candidate you are!

Will have at look at other threads. Thank you

OP posts:
emsyj37 · 12/09/2025 14:56

helpfulperson · 11/09/2025 08:20

No, for each year you work you pay a percentage of your salary to the scheme. This then guarantees you an certain amount per year when you retire. If that sum is £812 per annum you will get that (plus increased) every year until you die whether that is 2 years or 30 year after retirement.

Show quote history

I don't think the OP understands defined benefit pensions, unfortunately - despite the best efforts of several posters to explain.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread