How Much Is a Police Pension

How Much Is a Police Pension?

The police pension is one of the most valuable benefits available to officers in the UK. It provides a secure income in retirement, is protected against inflation, and offers additional benefits such as survivor pensions and ill-health cover. However, how much you receive depends on several factors including which pension scheme you are in, how long you have served, and your average or final salary.

This article explains how police pensions work, how they are calculated, and what you might expect to receive based on your career.

Which police pension scheme are you in?

The amount of your police pension depends heavily on which scheme you are a member of. There are three main schemes:

1. Police Pension Scheme 1987 (PPS 1987) – for those who joined before 6 April 2006

2. Police Pension Scheme 2006 (PPS 2006) – for those who joined between 6 April 2006 and 31 March 2015

3. Police Pension Scheme 2015 (PPS 2015) – for those who joined on or after 1 April 2015, or who were moved across as part of pension reforms

All current serving officers are now building pension benefits under the 2015 scheme, but any benefits earned under older schemes remain protected.

How are police pensions calculated?

The method for calculating your pension depends on the scheme:

Under PPS 1987 and PPS 2006:

• Your pension is based on your final salary

• You earn a portion of your salary for each year of service

• You may receive a lump sum as part of your retirement benefits

For example, under PPS 1987, you build one sixtieth of your final salary for each year of service. After 30 years, you could receive a pension equal to half of your final salary, along with a tax-free lump sum worth three times the pension.

Under PPS 2006, the accrual rate is one sixtieth of final pay per year of service, but there is no automatic lump sum. You can choose to convert part of your pension into a lump sum at retirement.

Under PPS 2015:

• The pension is based on career average revalued earnings, known as CARE

• Each year, you earn one fifty fifth of your pensionable pay

• The amount earned each year is revalued with inflation until retirement

This scheme is more reflective of your earnings across your whole career rather than just your final years.

Example pension amounts

Here are some examples based on full-time service and average earnings. These are illustrative and actual figures will vary based on individual service records.

PPS 1987 – After 30 years with a final salary of £45,000:

• Annual pension: £22,500

• Lump sum: £67,500

PPS 2006 – After 30 years with a final salary of £45,000:

• Annual pension: £22,500

• Optional lump sum if you give up part of your pension

PPS 2015 – After 30 years with average pensionable pay of £40,000:

• Total pension built: 30 x £727 = £21,810

• Revalued annually for inflation until retirement

• Payable from State Pension age unless taken earlier with reduction

When can you take your police pension?

Each scheme has different pension ages:

• PPS 1987: Age 50 after 25 or more years of service

• PPS 2006: Age 55 after 30 years of service

• PPS 2015: State Pension age for full benefits, but you can take it from age 55 with a reduction

If you leave the police before reaching pension age, your pension will usually be deferred and revalued until it becomes payable.

What about ill-health or medical retirement?

If you are medically retired, you may be entitled to an immediate pension regardless of your age or length of service. This is assessed under a tiered system and may include an enhanced pension or a lump sum depending on the severity of your condition and your ability to work again.

Final thoughts

A police pension provides a reliable and inflation-protected income in retirement. How much you will receive depends on your pension scheme, your salary, and how long you serve. While those under older schemes may benefit from final salary calculations and earlier retirement, the 2015 scheme offers a fair and sustainable approach based on career average earnings.

If you are unsure how much you are entitled to, you can request a pension forecast from your pension administrator or use the official pension calculator available through your police force.