The following options are available to those who leave the NHS Pension Scheme early.

• If you have been a member of the Scheme for more than 2 years, you can leave your benefits within the Scheme. These are called deferred benefits and are increased annually to keep pace with rises in the cost of living.
• If you have been a member of the Scheme for more than 2 years and take time out from the scheme such as working abroad to further your career, and the period away is less than 5 years, you can rejoin the scheme without losing the benefits you had already accrued.
• You may be able to transfer the benefits to another occupational pension scheme even if you have less than 2 years’ service.
• If you have been a member of the Scheme for less than 2 years, you can receive a refund of the contribution.