Q & A Other members
Questions and answers for Other 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 are the ones on which your current contributions are based. These pay details may not be the same as you are currently being paid. If the pay details shown do not look like a previous pay you were paid, contact your personnel office. They will send us your correct pay details and we will check your contributions.
The 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 pay 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 Helpline on 0800 2 343434.
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 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 Railways Pension Scheme offers its own AVC arrangement called ‘BRASS’. You can join BRASS by completing an application to join 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 payroll deduction 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 rpmi so that the Trustee can direct your new contributions to your chosen funds. You can download a BRASS Payroll Deduction Form by using Quick Links - BRASS Forms, or get one from your personnel office or from the Helpline on 0800 2 343434.
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.
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.