Contracting in or out of a state second pension

This page will help you get information on contracting in or out of the State Second Pension (S2P).

You should review your decision on whether to stay contracted out of S2P on a yearly basis. We are obliged to ask you this every year, even if in previous years you have advised us that you want to remain contracted out.

Contracting in or out of a State Second Pension

From 6 April 2012 the Government will remove the option to contract out of S2P through a defined contribution scheme, (otherwise known as a money purchase pension), but we think it’s likely to be in your interest to contract back in before then. Visit the sites in the Further Information section to decide whether it is best for you to remain contracted out or not. You can contract in online by registering for our secure internet service.

If you need help with our secure internet service, view the Online servicing FAQs section of our website.

Further information

The links below will open in a new browser window.

The Pension Service (Directgov) - For information on S2P and contracting out. Alternatively, you can call them on 0845 60 60 265 (textphone users call 0845 60 60 285).

Unbiased.co.uk - Search for an Independent Financial Adviser in your area.

Government Actuaries Department - For information on projected contracted out rebates. Alternatively if you have any queries on the above, please email enquiries@gad.gov.uk, or phone +44 (0)20 7211 2681.

The Pensions Advisory Service - An independent organisation helping with pension queries. Alternatively, you can call them on 0845 60 12 923.

Money Advice Service Factsheet - The Money Advice Service is an independent service. This factsheet will help you decide if you should remain contracted out or not.

State Pensions Forecasts Team - For illustrations on State Pension and S2P. You can call them on 0845 300 0168 (textphone users call 0845 300 0169).

HM Revenue & Customs contracted out helpline - For payment and contracted out queries. You can call them on 0845 915 0150.