Questions and answers about your estimate
The most frequently asked questions members have about their estimate are shown below together with some quick answers.
The salary you have used is not up-to-date.
The salary details shown in the table on page five of your estimate are the ones on which your current contributions are based. These details may not be the salary you are currently being paid.
If the salary shown does not look like a previous salary you were paid, contact your personnel office. They will send us your correct salary details and we will check your contributions. This estimate is a guide to what your benefits may be in the future. When you want to take your benefits we will make sure that your most up-to-date salary is used.
Some of my details and contributions don’t look correct.
The estimate is based on your pension record at a specific date. To find out the date we used, see the section called ‘Information used for this estimate’ on page three. If you have changed some of your details after this date they will not be shown on this year’s estimate. If you haven’t recently changed your details then contact your personnel office or the customer service Helpline on 0800 2 343434.
Can I improve my pensions benefits?
Yes. If you are already paying additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) to BRASS see the section called ‘Maximising your BRASS contributions’ on page four of your estimate. This will tell you how to pay the maximum allowed into BRASS. If you are not currently paying AVCs but would like to improve your pension benefits you could consider starting an AVC.
The British Transport Police Force Superannuation Fund offers its own AVC arrangement called ‘BRASS’. You can join BRASS by completing an Application to join BRASS form.
You can download an Application to Join BRASS Form by using Quick Links - BRASS Forms, or get one from your personnel office.
Does my estimate include my BRASS benefits?
Yes, if you are a member of BRASS these benefits have been included.
How do I change my BRASS contributions?
Fill in a BRASS future contribution and fund change form and pass it to your payroll office who will change your BRASS contributions through the payroll. Your payroll office will send a copy of the form to the BRASS Team so that the Trustee can direct your new contributions to your chosen funds.
You can download a BRASS Future Contribution Form by using Quick Links - BRASS Forms, or get one from your personnel office.
Will BRASS matching contributions continue until I leave work?
It is up to your employer. However, if your employer decides to stop future matching, or has already decided to do this, they must still continue to match at the level you are currently receiving, unless you reduce your own contribution. If your BRASS contribution reduces or stops because of maternity, paternity or adoption leave or because of periods of unpaid leave due to sickness, please make sure that your employer advises us on your return to work so that we can reinstate your BRASS matching.