Change to the Normal Minimum Pension Age
The Normal Minimum Pension Age will change from 6 April 2028
From 6 April 2028, the Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA) will increase from age 55 to 57. The majority of existing Northern Ireland Teachers’ Pension Scheme (NITPS) members will retain a protected pension age of 55.
The change will impact the age at which new entrants to the NITPS on or after 4 November 2021 can take their pension benefits. The change was made by the Finance Act 2022 and applies to all schemes, not just the NITPS.
A scheme member would retain a NMPA of 55 if they had service in the NITPS before the Government announcement regarding NMPA changes on 4 November 2021. Therefore:
• From 6 April 2028, members with service in the final salary and/or career average scheme up to 3 November 2021 will retain the right to take Early (actuarially adjusted) Retirement or Phased Retirement from age 55, subject to the relevant retirement conditions being satisfied.
• Members who joined the career average scheme for the first time after 3 November 2021, will have a Normal Minimum Pension Age of 57.
There are number of specific scenarios for which pension schemes await further guidance from Government. The Department of Education website will be updated with further information when it becomes available.