Contracting-out

Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis

Meaning of ‘contracting-out’

Until 5 April 2016, some schemes could 'contract out' of the additional state pension, while others were 'contracted-in'.

Between 6 April 2002 and 5 April 2016, the additional state pension was the pension arising under the State Second Pension (S2P); prior to 6 April 2002, it was the pension arising under the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS).

On 6 April 2016, the additional state pension disappeared. The government combined the basic state pension and the additional state pension into a single-tier state pension, whereby individuals earn a flat rate of state pension based not on their earnings but on the number of years during which they paid national insurance contributions (NICs). This state pension reform resulted in the abolition of contracting-out. For more information, see 'Abolition of DB contracting-out from 6 April 2016' below.

If an individual was 'contracted-in' to the additional state pension through their scheme, they received an additional earnings-related pension from the state on top of their basic state pension. If an individual was 'contracted out' of the additional state pension, they did not receive the additional

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Existing user? Sign-in TAKE A FREE TRIAL
Powered by Lexis+®
Latest Pensions News

SPP publishes practical guide on CDC pension scheme implementation

The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has published a paper titled ‘From Concept to Practice: A practical guide to CDC pension schemes’, which examines the practical considerations involved in implementing Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) pension schemes within the UK pensions industry. The guide provides insights into administration, cost management and governance, with the aim of making CDC schemes accessible, resilient and trustworthy for employers and savers.

Pensions weekly highlights—15 January 2026

This week’s edition of Pensions weekly highlights includes a review of key news stories, as well as dates for your diary and trackers.

Pensions Schemes Bill makes progress at Lords Grand Committee Stage despite strong reservations on LGPS reforms

The House of Lords Grand Committee (Grand Committee) opened its detailed scrutiny of the Pension Schemes Bill on 12 January 2026. Day 1 of the Grand Committee’s examination began on Chapter 1 of the Bill on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and in particular Clauses 1 (Asset pool companies) and 2 (Asset management). Ultimately, all amendments debated on 12 January were withdrawn, and Clauses 1 and 2 were agreed without change. However, the debate raised significant cross-party concern about the breadth of ministerial powers, the heavy reliance on delegated legislation, the protection of fiduciary duty and the extent of ministerial influence over pension investment. On 14 January 2026, the Grand Committee continued its focus on the provisions of Chapter 1 of the Pension Schemes Bill when it agreed Clauses 6 (Mergers of funds), 7 (Amendments of 2013 Act relating to scheme regulations) and 8 (Interpretation of Chapter 1). Again, agreement was reached despite extensive debate highlighting concerns over compulsory mergers, funding positions, contribution prudence and employer affordability, surplus management, transparency, and the impact of local government reorganisation. The government peers maintained that existing statutory, actuarial and governance frameworks are sufficient and that further changes should be considered through consultation rather than primary legislation. The Grand Committee is currently scheduled to sit again on 19, 22 and 26 January 2026 when further detailed examination of the Pension Schemes Bill will continue.

Pressure group urges the House of Lords to agree to retrospective pre-1997 pension increases

Law360: The Pensions Action Group (PAG) has called on members of the House of Lords to back reforms that would see arrears payments made to retirees previously denied inflation-linked pension increases.

View Pensions by content type :  
News
Practice notes
Precedents
Q&As

Popular documents

What does ‘contracting-out’ mean for pension lawyers?

What does ‘contracting-out’ mean for pension lawyers?Interaction with the additional State pensionBefore 6 April 2016, there were two levels of State pension provision:•the basic State pension—this was a flat rate broadly based on the amount of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) a person paid

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an
What does ‘contracting-out’ mean for pension lawyers?

What does ‘contracting-out’ mean for pension lawyers?

What does ‘contracting-out’ mean for pension lawyers?Interaction with the additional State pensionBefore 6 April 2016, there were two levels of State pension provision:•the basic State pension—this was a flat rate broadly based on the amount of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) a person paid

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the

If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an