Early retirement
For members who joined before 1 April 2007 only
Members may be able to take their benefits from an earlier age than 55*.
If a member was active in the British Transport Police Fund (BTPF) on 5 April 2006 (unless they subsequently opted-out of membership of a section of the Fund and gave up the right to claim their Fund benefits before age 55) they have the right to apply for their Fund benefits before age 55* if they wish.
If you have benefits in more than one period of membership in the BTPF and wish take benefits before age 55, all Fund benefits MUST come into payment at the same time.
*Fund benefits are only payable if certain conditions are satisfied, for example they are at least equal to the minimum level set by the government and, in the case of preserved Fund benefits, the member needs the Trustee’s approval before they can be paid.
If you take your benefits early they are permanently reduced because your pension is being paid for longer.
To increase your benefits for an earlier retirement see Quick Links - AVC Extra.
The reduction depends upon how many years and months you are below age 55, and how much membership you have.