Q & A for Network Rail members
Questions and answers for Network Rail members.
The most frequently asked questions members have about their estimate are shown below together with some quick answers.
The pay you have used is not up to date.
The pay details shown in the table on page five of your estimate were advised to us by Network Rail on the date shown at the bottom of the table. This may not be the same as your current pay details. If the pay details shown do not look like a previous pay you were paid, email Payroll Processing. They will send us your correct pay details and we will check your contributions. To send an email please use Quick Links - Payroll Processing.
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 email Payroll Processing or our Helpline on 0800 2 343434. To send an email please use Quick Links - Payroll Processing.
Can I improve my pension benefits?
Yes, if you are already paying additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) to BRASS see the section called ‘Maximising your additional voluntary contributions’ on page four of this 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. There are many AVC schemes available on the high street but the Railways Pension Scheme offers its own AVC arrangement called ‘BRASS’.
You can download an Application to Join BRASS Form by using the Quick Links - BRASS Forms
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 payroll deduction form and pass it to the Network Rail Pensions Department who will change your BRASS contributions through the payroll. The Network Rail Pensions Department will send a copy of the form to rpmi so that the Trustee can direct your new contributions to your chosen funds.
You can download a BRASS Payroll Deduction Form by using the Quick Links - BRASS Forms
Will BRASS matching contributions continue until I leave work?
It is up to Network Rail. BRASS matching contributions are frozen which means they must still continue to match at the level you are currently receiving, unless you reduce your own contribution.
The date from which my benefits are worked out doesn't look correct.
In the ‘Information used for this estimate’ section on page three we tell you which date we have used to work out your benefits. This date could be different from the date you started pensionable service in your current section of the Railways Pension Scheme if you have transferred benefits in from another pension arrangement. This includes transfers from previous sections of the Railways Pension Scheme.