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Fact Sheets

Key Benefits

  • The NITPS is a defined benefit contributory pension scheme.  It is one of the most important and valuable benefits available to teachers.  Your employer makes a substantial contribution towards the cost of your pension.
  • The NITPS not only provides you with a regular income after you retire, but also provides your family or other dependants with financial protection after you die.
  • All teachers and lecturers, both full-time and part-time, are automatically members of the scheme unless they elect to opt out.
  • If you become too ill to work, you may receive your pension early.
  • You can increase your pension credit by buying extra pension.  You may be able to transfer in pension credit from another scheme.
  • We will pay a lump sum if you die before you retire and we may pay children’s and dependants’ pensions.
  • You can choose to have part of your pension paid as a lump sum if you joined the scheme on or after 1 April 2007.
  • If you were a member before 1 April 2007, you will automatically receive a lump sum.
  • Your pension is index-linked to protect its value against the effects of inflation.

Related Forms and Leaflets

Fact Sheet: Northern Ireland Teachers' Pension Scheme (NITPS) Members' Guide PDF 59.9 KB

Leaflet: Members  - Your Guide