Sector guidance

Fire Service Pension Guidance

Clear pension guidance for fire service professionals, helping you understand your scheme and your options.

Your sector

Understanding your firefighter pension

Firefighter pensions have evolved over time, with different schemes applying depending on when you joined the fire service. The main schemes are the Firefighters' Pension Scheme 1992, the New Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2006, and the Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2015.

Each scheme has different rules for retirement ages, benefit calculations, and contribution structures. Understanding which scheme you are in, how your benefits are building, and what options are available requires clarity about your service and current position.

Firefighters often have specific considerations around early retirement, ill-health provisions, and the physical demands of the role. Having a clear understanding of how these factors affect your pension is essential for informed planning.

Our approach

How we support you

Understanding your position

We help you understand which firefighter pension scheme applies to you, how your benefits have been accruing, and what your current position means for your retirement.

Exploring your options

We explain the retirement options available, including age considerations, benefit calculations, and decisions that may be specific to your length of service or role.

Ongoing support

We provide ongoing guidance as your career develops, helping you stay informed about your pension as your circumstances or the rules change.

Key areas

Key things to consider

Understanding which firefighter pension scheme applies to you and how benefits are calculated

Knowing your retirement age options and what happens if you retire at different stages

Understanding how contribution rates work and what choices are available to you

Reviewing your position if considering early retirement or if ill-health becomes a factor

Planning for retirement and understanding what income your pension will provide

What you gain

What you gain from guidance

A clear understanding of your firefighter pension and which schemes you are in

Confidence in the retirement decisions you are considering and their implications

Clarity about how your service and contributions affect your pension over time

Ongoing access to guidance as your circumstances or pension rules evolve

Important guidance notice

No part of your Membership is intended to or will provide regulated financial advice, financial planning, investment advice, pension transfer advice, tax advice, legal advice or personal financial recommendations. You remain responsible for your own decisions and for conducting your own due diligence. We recommend you seek advice where required from a suitably qualified and authorised professional.

Membership Content is provided for general educational and guidance purposes only and should not be treated as financial, legal or tax advice, or as a personal recommendation to take or avoid any particular action. You must always check your relevant scheme information and seek professional advice where required before making important decisions.