The vesting period refers to the period of time that you must be an active member of the LGPS before becoming entitled to benefits under the scheme.

The vesting period in the LGPS is 2 years, however, it can be met before 2 years in certain circumstances; you will meet the 2 year vesting period if any of the conditions below apply:

  • you have been a member of the LGPS in England and Wales for 2 years
  • you transferred a pension into the LGPS from a different occupational pension scheme or from a European pensions institution and the length of service you had in that scheme or institution was 2 or more years or, when added to the period of time you have been a member of the LGPS the period is in total more than 2 years
  • you have brought a transfer of pension rights into the LGPS in England or Wales from a pension scheme or arrangement where you were not allowed to receive a refund of contributions
  • you have previously transferred pension rights out of the LGPS in England or Wales to a pension scheme abroad (i.e. to a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme)
  • you already hold a deferred benefit or are receiving a pension from the LGPS in England or Wales (other than a survivor's pension or pension credit member's pension
  • you have paid National Insurance contributions whilst a member of the LGPS and you stop paying into the LGPS in the tax year of attaining pension age
  • you cease to contribute to the LGPS at age 75
  • you die in service