Becoming a member of the Scottish Firefighters' Pension Scheme

On this page:

• Benefits of becoming a member
• How the scheme works

When you join the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, you'll automatically join our occupational pension scheme on appointment as a firefighter, crew or watch manager, regardless of your duty system. This includes part-time, volunteer and retained duty system firefighters as well as previous pension scheme members who are re-joining after a break of five years or more (as long as you're between the ages of 16 and 75).

Both you and your employer contribute towards the cost of your pension. Deductions are taken directly from your salary and you receive tax relief on your contributions. 

How the scheme works

It's a defined benefit scheme and, after 3 months qualifying service, entitles you to a pension payable for life when you retire. Your normal pension age will be 60. 

Your scheme membership also entitles you to:

• the option to exchange part of your pension for a tax-free lump sum when you retire
• tax relief on your pension contributions
• valuable benefits for your dependants when you die
• the option to nominate an individual, or individuals, to receive a lump sum payable in the event of your death
• the option to increase your benefits by paying extra contributions which can be deducted along with your regular contributions or paid as a lump sum
• options to apply to retire early if you're unable to work due to ill health.

The Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2015 also offers a number of ways to increase the value of the pension you’ll receive in retirement. 

These include: 

• the ability to transfer in previous pension rights 
• the option to purchase Additional Pension. 

Opting out

Although new members are automatically enrolled, you can opt out of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2015. Note that if you do decide to leave the scheme, you will be re-enrolled automatically every three years.