Public Employees Pension Scheme (PEPS) New

Public Employees Pension Scheme
(PEPS)
New Member Information Pack
Public Employees
Pension Scheme
New Member
information Pack
1. Welcome to the Public Employees Pension Scheme (PEPS).
2.
Your New Member Information Pack
Please read this booklet, including the information about how to complete the forms.
A short introduction to the PEPS is included in this information pack. If you require more detailed
information, please visit our website for a full Scheme Guide.
This booklet is for general use, so it cannot cover every personal circumstance. It does not give you
any rights under contract or statute law. If there is any dispute over your pension benefits, the PEPS
Regulations will apply.
If you need further information about the PEPS, see out Full Members Guide or contact the Dedicated
Pension Unit (DPU) using the details at the end of this document.
Introduction to the Public Employees Pension Scheme (PEPS)
The PEPS is a defined benefits scheme based on Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE).
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You will get life cover, with a lump sum of 3 times your annual pensionable earnings if you die
in service, as well as cover for your family in the event of your death
Ill Health cover for you should you be unable to work
You may receive tax relief on your contributions to the PEPS
You can give up some of your pension on retirement and in service (subject to certain
requirements) to get a tax free cash lump sum
Your employer contributes to the scheme on an average of twice what you contribute
You can purchase additional pension by electing to pay more contributions through Additional
Voluntary Contributions (AVCs).
Who can join?
All permanent employees of the States of Jersey will automatically be a member of the scheme from
the day they start their employment and anyone on a fixed term contract will be given the option to
join the scheme.
If you are an employee of an Admitted Body you will need to contact your employer to ascertain if
you are eligible to join the scheme (a list of Admitted Bodies can be found at the end of this booklet).
What does it cost?
For members who are classed as ‘Ordinary Members’ the initial contribution rate will be 7.75%.
For members who are classed as ‘Uniformed Members’ the initial contribution rate will be 10.10%.
(Please note that contribution rates could change depending on the financial stability of the Fund)
Benefits of the PEPS
Last updated 16/12/2015
Page 1
Public Employees
Pension Scheme
New Member
information Pack
Each scheme year you build up a pension of 1/66th of pensionable earnings paid in that year. The
amount of pension earned is added to your pension record annually. The following year the opening
balance of your pension record is then revalued by Jersey RPI+1%.
Please Note: The revaluation rate of Jersey RPI+1% and the accrual rate of 1/66th are not guaranteed
and are subject to change following an actuarial valuation.
Pensionable earnings consist of your annual pensionable salary and any pensionable allowances that
you may receive.
When can I take my pension?
If you are an ordinary member, the age at which you can retire and receive your pension unreduced
(also known as your Normal Pension Age) will be the same as your State Pension Age. You will be
able to retire and receive your pension up to 10 years earlier than your Normal Pension Age but your
pension will be subject to an actuarial reduction for early payment and being paid out for longer. If
you have the agreement from your employer you could even work past your Normal Pension Age and
retire later, this would mean that your pension could receive an actuarial increase for being paid later
and possibly for a shorter period.
If you are a Uniformed Member then your Normal Pension Age is 60 and you will be able to choose
to retire from age 55 (subject to an actuarial reduction).
If your employer determines that you are permanently unable to perform the duties of your job due
to ill health but you are capable of undertaking any other employment, then you could receive your
pension early without a reduction. If you are retired on grounds of ill health and you are not capable
of undertaking any other employment, then your pension could receive an enhancement.
Transfer in of pension rights from another employer
On joining the scheme you can transfer pension rights from any other employer or a personal pension
scheme in to the PEPS.
If you have benefits in another public sector pension scheme, either in Jersey or in the UK, you could
transfer those pension rights into the PEPS through the Public Sector Transfer Club. To take
advantage of transferring through the Public Sector Transfer Club you need to arrange for the transfer
request to be received in writing to the DPU within 12 months from becoming eligible to join or rejoin the scheme. For further information on Transfers In please see our Transfer In leaflet.
Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
You may also pay Additional Voluntary Contributions to purchase additional pension. The additional
pension that you purchase will be increased in a similar manner to the pension you build up through
normal contributions. For more information please see the Additional Voluntary Contributions
(AVCs) leaflet.
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Public Employees
Pension Scheme
New Member
information Pack
Attached forms for completion.
All of the following forms need to be completed in block capitals and in black ink and need to be
returned to the Dedicated Pensions Unit at the address on the last page of this booklet.
Completing the New Joiner Form
Personal Details – This helps us to check that we have the correct information. It is important that
we have the correct information as this could affect your benefits. If any of this information changes
then we will need to be informed as soon as possible.
Employment details – Try and enter as much information as possible in this section. This information
is used in the setting up of your pension record.
Options for Fixed Term Contract Employees – Fixed Term contract employees have a choice whether
to join the scheme or not. Please see our members guide before completing this section so you
understand what you may be giving up if you choose to not join the scheme.
Signature – It is important that you sign the form to let us know that you confirm that the information
you have entered on to the form is accurate and up to date.
Completing the ‘Expression of Wish’ form
You can indicate who you wish to nominate to receive a death grant and your wishes will be taken
into consideration.
Completing the ‘notification of dependants’ form
If there is someone, other than your spouse, civil partner or nominated co-habiting partner, who is
financially dependent on you for the provision of all or most of the ordinary necessities of life, or in a
mutually dependent financial relationship with you, or dependent on you because of a physical or
mental impairment, you can notify us who they are as they may qualify for a pension in the event of
your death.
Completing the ‘Nomination of Co-Habiting Partner’ form – You can nominate a partner to receive
benefits in the event of your death, providing they meet the necessary criteria for nomination.
Completing the ‘nomination of co-habiting partner’ form
You can nominate a partner to receive a pension in the event of your death as long as they meet the
criteria set out in the accompanying guidance notes.
Help in completing the attached forms
If you want any help in completing any of the forms you can contact the DPU or arrange a meeting
with a member from the DPU who will help fill the form in with you and answer any question that
you may have. Contact details of the DPU can be found at the end of this document.
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Public Employees Pension Scheme (PEPS)
New Joiner Form
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM IN BLOCK CAPITALS AND BLACK INK
Applicant Details
Full Name
Title
Date of Birth
Female
Previous Name
Male
If applicable
Marital status Single
Married
Civil Partnership
Co-Habiting
Social Security Number
or National Insurance Number if applicable
Home Address
Post Code
Email Address
Telephone Number
Employment Details
Employer
Job Title
Department and Section
Contractual/Working Hours
If Part Time also enter full time equivalent hours, e.g., 25/37, 20/38
Starting Annual Salary
To be completed by Fixed Term Contract Employees only
A.
Confirmation of 'JOINING' for Fixed Term Contract Employees
I am on a Fixed Term Contract and can confirm that I wish to become a member of PEPS. I understand that once
implemented this cannot be changed for the duration of the contract and will apply to any extension to the contract
unless at that time I advise to the contrary.
Please tick the box if you wish to join PEPS
B.
Option of 'NON-MEMBERSHIP' for Fixed Term contract Employees
I am on a Fixed Term Contract but do not wish to join PEPS. I understand that once implemented this cannot be
changed for the duration of the contract and will apply to any extension to the contract unless I advise to the
contrary.
Please tick the box if you do not wish to join PEPS
Contract Period for -
Date From
Date To
Employee’s Signature
Date Signed
The Dedicated Pension Unit is required by Law to protect member information. It may share the data collected from you on this
form with other States departments and other public bodies for the purpose of administration of the Public Employees Pension
Scheme and for the prevention and detection of fraud.
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Public Employees Pension Scheme (PEPS)
Expression of Wish Form
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM IN BLOCK CAPITALS AND BLACK INK
Full Name
Title
Date of Birth
Female
Male
Home Address
Postcode
Email Address
Telephone Number
It is my wish for consideration to be given when paying any cash payable in the event of my
death to:
My Estate
or
1
Full Name
The recipient(s) set out below
3
Full Name
Address
Relationship
2
Address
Lump Sum
Proportion
Full Name
Relationship
4
Full Name
Address
Relationship
Lump Sum
Proportion
Address
Lump Sum
Proportion
Relationship
Lump Sum
Proportion
I confirm that I have read and understood the attached Guidance Notes and understand that this Expression of Wish
Form is not binding. It may be revised by me at any time by the completion of a new Expression of Wish Form
Employee’s Signature
Date
The Dedicated Pension Unit is required by Law to protect member information. It may share the data collected from you on this
form with other States departments and other public bodies for the purpose of administration of the Public Employees Pension
Scheme and for the prevention and detection of fraud.
Public Employees
Pension Scheme
New Member
information Pack
Expression of Wish Form - Guidance Notes
Why do I have to complete an “Expression of Wish” Form?
The Expression of Wish form lets us know who you would like a cash lump sum to go to in the
event that you die whilst you are an active member of the scheme.
Under the PEPS Regulations the Committee of Management retains the discretion with regard
to the payment of a lump sum in the event of your death. For this reason we have the greatest
regard for your wishes but are not bound by them.
What are the benefits?
The benefit that your recipient or estate would receive if you die in service as a member of
the PEPS is a lump sum of three times your pensionable earnings at your date of death. This
is paid no matter how long you have been a member of the PEPS.
Payment will be made on the official notification of your death through the presentation of
your death certificate. Please note, that if possible, your Will should reflect the details that
are entered on your ‘Expression of Wish’ form.
Who can receive the cash lump sum?
You can nominate any person or organisation you wish to receive the lump sum, this could be
your partner, your children, your family, your friends etc.
Even though you have completed the Expression of Wish form, the Committee of
Management still retain the discretion to decide who your lump sum should be paid to. If
your circumstances change prior to your death and you did not amend your Expression of
Wish form, for example if the recipient you had originally nominated had died or your marital
/ civil partnership / co-habiting partnership status has changed since the date of your
nomination, then the Committee may wait for a Grant of Representation from a personal
representative before paying out the lump sum.
Can I change these details?
If you wish to change any of the details on your Expression of Wish form then you can
complete a further form and send it to the Dedicated Pensions Unit. The new form will
overrule any previous form on your file. You can find a new form on our website
www.gov.je/statesemployeespensions.
You can cancel an Expression of Wish form at any time by contacting the DPU in writing and
confirming your new wishes. You are advised to do so by completing a further Expression of
Wish form.
Public Employees Pension Scheme (PEPS)
Notification of Dependant(s) Form
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM IN BLOCK CAPITALS AND BLACK INK
Full Name
Title
Date of Birth
Female
Male
Home Address
Postcode
Email Address
Telephone Number
I wish the existence of the following persons to be taken into account for any Dependant’s benefits payable
from the Scheme upon my death. I realise that in the event of my leaving a spouse, civil partner or
nominated co-habiting partner, a Dependant’s pension would not be payable:
1
Full Name
2
3
Full Name
Address
Address
Relationship
Relationship
Full Name
4
Full Name
Address
Address
Relationship
Relationship
I confirm that I have read and understood the attached Guidance Notes and understand that this
Notification of Dependant Form is not binding. It may be revised by me at any time by the completion of a
new Notification of Dependant Form
Employee’s Signature
Date
The Dedicated Pension Unit is required by Law to protect member information. It may share the data collected from you on this
form with other States departments and other public bodies for the purpose of administration of the Public Employees Pension
Scheme and for the prevention and detection of fraud.
Notification of Dependant(s) Form Guidance Notes
When completed, the Notification of Dependant’s Form should be returned to the Pensions
Administrator at the address below. When you send this form back it should be in a sealed
envelope with the words "PEPS Notification of Dependant(s) Form" with your name clearly
written in capitals on the outside.
It is not necessary for you to use this form to notify us of your spouse, civil partner or
nominated co-habiting partner (also known as Surviving Partners) as a dependant’s pension
would not apply to them as they would receive a surviving partner’s pension. A dependant is
a person who is financially dependent on you for the provision of all or most of the ordinary
necessities of life, or in a mutually dependent financial relationship with you, or dependent
on you because of a physical or mental impairment. We may require evidence of the
dependency in order to decide on their eligibility for benefits.
You can nominate as a potential recipient(s) any dependant person(s) apart from someone
who is an eligible child. An eligible child would receive a separate benefit instead of a
dependant’s pension. To find out if a child falls into the category of ‘eligible child’ please see
our full members guide.
It is recognised that over time, your circumstances may change and consequently you may
wish to change the details you have inserted on this form. You may do this by obtaining and
returning a further Notification of Dependant(s) Form to the Dedicated Pensions Unit.
The DPU must be notified of the death of a deferred pensioner or pensioner
It is essential that the Dedicated Pensions Unit is notified of the death of a deferred pensioner
or pensioner as quickly as possible so that the process of establishing whether survivor
benefits are due can be started and in circumstances where a pension is in payment,
overpayment of pension avoided.
Public Employees Pension Scheme (PEPS)
Nomination of Co-Habiting Partner
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM IN BLOCK CAPITALS AND BLACK INK
Your Personal Details
(Last updated 16/12/2015)
Full Name
Home Address
Post Code
Social Security Number
Date of Birth
Email Address
Phone Number
Your Partners Details
Full Name
Home Address
Post Code
Social Security Number
Date of Birth
Evidence of Co-Habiting Partnership
Please give details below of the evidence you are providing to show that you have been in a cohabiting partnership for at least 2 years.
Joint Declaration
We declare that the following statements are true now, and have been continuously true for at least
the last two years:
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We are living together as a couple
We depend on each other financially
We are legally free to marry or form a civil partnership, but have chosen not to
Neither of us is married to, or in a civil partnership with, someone else
Neither of us is living with someone else as a couple
We understand that if any of these statements are found to be false, the nomination will be invalid.
We also understand that the nominated partner will only be entitled to a pension if these conditions
have been met continuously for two years preceding the member’s death.
Member’s Signature
Partners Signature
Date signed:
Date signed:
Please return on completion to: Public Employees Pension Scheme (PEPS), Dedicated Pensions Unit, Treasury and
Resources Department, Cyril Le Marquand House, PO Box 353, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8UL
The Dedicated Pension Unit is required by Law to protect member information. It may share the data collected from you on this form
with other States departments and other public bodies for the purpose of administration of the Public Employees Pension Scheme and
for the prevention and detection of fraud.
Nomination of a Co-Habiting Partner Guidance Notes
This guidance is for members who wish to nominate a co-habiting partner to receive benefits in the
event of their death.
Why should I complete this form?
The benefit of completing this form is that your co-habiting partner will receive survivor benefits in the
event of your death. If you are just a couple who live together, your partner would not automatically
receive any benefits in the same way as a husband or wife may or civil partners. By completing this
form partner maybe entitled to receive benefits from the Scheme in the event of your death.
Who can I nominate?
You can nominate your partner of either the same or opposite sex as long as they meet the criteria
set out below.
If you do not nominate your partner, they will not receive any benefits no matter how long you have
been living together and no matter what evidence they provide.
What are the criteria for nomination?
You and your partner must meet the following criteria for at least 2 years for your partner to be
eligible for nomination as a co-habiting partner.
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both you and your nominated co-habiting partner are, and have been, free to marry each other
or enter into a registered civil partnership with each other
you and your partner have lived together as if you were husband and wife, or registered civil
partners
neither you or your partner have been living with someone else as if you/they were husband and
wife or registered civil partners
either your partner is financially dependent on you or you are financially interdependent on each
other. Your partner is financially dependent on you if you have the highest income. Financially
interdependent means you rely on your joint finances to support your standard of living. It
doesn’t mean that you need to be contributing equally.
What does 'financially interdependent' mean?
Financially interdependent means that you rely on your joint finances to support your standard of living.
It doesn’t mean that you need to be contributing equally. For example, if your partner’s income is a lot
more than yours, he or she may pay the mortgage and most of the bills, and you may pay for the weekly
shopping.
How do I nominate my co-habiting partner?
You can nominate your co-habiting partner, of either opposite or same sex, by completing the
nomination form and sending it to Dedicated Pensions Unit.
You will need to enclose evidence that you have met the conditions continuously or at least 2 years
before you both signed the form. Please only supply photocopies of the evidence. If you are unable to
provide photocopies, please bring your documentary evidence to the DPU and we will arrange for it to
be copied for you.
Both you and your nominated partner must sign the nomination form.
Remember to let us know of a change in your circumstances which could affect the nomination, or if
you wish to cancel it.
What types of evidence should we provide?
Below is a non-exhaustive list of typical forms of evidence required to prove your co-habitation. It is
recommended that wherever possible the following documents are retained as they may be required
as proof of the above conditions:
 A bank statement showing joint names or written confirmation from your bank/building society
that you held joint accounts for at least two years,
 A mortgage statement / tenancy agreement showing joint names
 Utility bills if in joint names, one current and one from two years ago.
What happens next?
Simply complete the form and return it to us at the address provided with the required evidence. We
will treat your nomination confidentially and it will be valid as soon as we have received it.
What happens if I make a nomination and then die?
In the event of your death, your nominated co-habiting partner would receive survivor benefits,
including a survivor pension. However, your co-habiting partner will only receive those benefits where
a nomination was in effect on the date of your death and your partner can provide evidence that the
various criteria have been met.
What if I wish to change my nomination at a later date?
If your circumstances change and you enter into another partnership which meets the above criteria
you should complete a new nomination of a co-habiting partner form. Please remember to let us know
of any changes in your circumstances which could affect the nomination, or if you wish to cancel it.
What if I’m married or in a civil partnership?
If you are married or in a civil partnership you do not need to make a nomination. Your spouse or civil
partner is automatically covered for a survivor benefit in the event of your death.
Public Employees
Pension Scheme
New Member
information Pack
Further information
If you have any questions or issues about your benefits or require any help with any of the
forms in this booklet, the PEPS or pensions in general, you should contact the Dedicated
Pensions Unit through the following means
Address
Dedicated Pension Unit
Treasury & Resources Department,
Cyril le Marquand House,
The Parade,
St. Helier,
Jersey
Channel Islands
JE4 8UL
Telephone: 440227.
Email: [email protected] or visit our website: www.gov.je/statesemployeespensions
Admitted Bodies
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Andium Homes
Beaulieu Convent School
Brig-y-Don
Comité des Connétables
Family Nursing & Home Care (FNHC)
Jersey Advisory & Conciliation Services (JACS)
Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA)
Jersey Data Protection Commission (JDPC)
Jersey Development Company Ltd (ex WEB)
Jersey Employment Trust/Workforce Solutions (JET)
Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC)
Jersey Gambling Commission
Jersey Heritage Trust
Jersey Overseas Aid Commission (JOAC)
Jersey Post
Jersey Telecom
Les Amis Incorporated (Including Maison Variety)
Parish of St Brelade (including Maison St Brelade)
Parish of St Clement
Parish of Grouville
Parish of St Helier
Parish of St Lawrence
Parish of St Martin
Parish of St Ouen
Parish of St Saviour
Ports of Jersey