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My HR Knowledge Bank

Welcome to My HR Knowledge Bank.  You will find frequently asked questions on all current HR Policies and procedures, links to all policies, useful forms, guidelines and toolkits.

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RETIREMENT AND FLEXIBLE RETIREMENT

How should employees inform the Council that they intend to retire?

They should give their manager appropriate and 'contractual' notice of the date they wish to retire.

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How would reducing my hours and accessing my pension affect pension benefits?

When a pension is accessed you effectively retire from the full time post and may have the option of starting another part time pension based on your new hours. For accurate and up to date information please contact the Pensions Section directly on 01443 680611, e mail pensions@rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk or visit the pensions web site at www.rctpensions.org.uk.

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If applying for flexible retirement before the age of 65 will pension benefits reduce?

This would depend on when you joined the Local Government Pension Scheme.

If you joined after 30 September 2006, take flexible retirement between the ages of 60 and 65 your pension and lump sum will be reduced due to early payment.

If you were contributing to the scheme on 30 September 2006 and are over age 60 but before age 65 then some or all of your benefits that are paid early could be protected from reduction.

If you are accepting flexible retirement before the age of 60 then your benefits will be reduced due to early payment.

Further details can be obtained from the Pensions Section on 01443 680611 e mail pensions@rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk or visit the pensions website at www.rctpensions.org.uk.

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Is it possible to access my pension, reduce my hours and continue to work on a part time basis?

Yes, if you are over 55 years of age, it is possible to access your pension and continue to work part time, this is called flexible retirement.  However you need to write to your Service Director who will determine whether the service could accommodate this request. If they cannot accommodate part time hours you can either continue working your current hours, or you can retire.

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What happens when the Service Director agrees to consider an application for flexible retirement?

Pension figures are requested. On receipt of the estimated cost to the Department, the Service Director will advise the employee whether their application has been approved. If approved, confirmation of the reduction in your grade or hours will be made in writing.

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What is a Long Service Award and when is it payable?

The Council operates a Long Service Award scheme on termination of employment whereby employees who reach 20 years service with RCT and any of its predecessor authorities receive a payment of £200 for the first 20 years of service, plus an additional payment of £10 for ever completed year thereafter.

The payment is made on retirement, and includes those who terminate on mutual agreement following a period of long term sickness. 

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What is flexible retirement?

Flexible Retirement provides an opportunity for an employee to draw their pension at any time on or after the age of 55 and allows them to carry on in employment in some form.

The pensions website www.rctpensions.org.uk provides further information and details of the Council's Flexible Retirement Scheme can be accessed here.

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What pension is payable on retirement?

Pensionable benefits depend on pensionable service; the annual pension benefits statement issued to pension scheme members will give information on this. For accurate and up to date information, please contact the Pensions Section directly on 01443 680611, e mail pensions@rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk or visit the pensions website at www.rctpensions.org.uk.

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When can an application for flexible retirement be made?

Applications can be made on or after the age of 55 and must be made at least three months before the date you wish to take flexible retirement but not more than six months before your requested flexible retirement date.

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Where can advice and support in planning for retirement be accessed?

Managers and Human Resources will be able to provide advice on how to make arrangements to plan your retirement from the Council.

The Council offers a training course on planning for retirement which employees can attend with their spouse/partner. Employees who think this will benefit them should speak to their manager who can liaise with Human Resources to arrange a place on the next available course.

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