Pension payments refund

- Q: I am a GP partner who has paid into the NHS Pension Scheme (NHSPS) since starting work in 2003. With all the proposed changes to the NHSPS I am considering my options. If I decide to leave it, can I get my contributions to date refunded or moved to another scheme?

NHS Pensions in England and Scotland

- Q: I have just received my pension entitlement details from the NHS pensions people in England. This states that I started NHS work in February 1981. But I qualified in Glasgow and worked there for 2.5 years before working in England. I had not realised NHS pensions in England and Scotland were two separate bodies. I contacted the latter and after some correspondence by telephone and post, I have been offered a refund. However, the Scotland scheme is adamant the 2.5 years cannot be transferred. Is this correct? If not, can I claim a second NHS pension based on the years I worked in Scotland?

Joining the NHS Pension Scheme

- Q: I have just accepted a job at a GP practice and understand I can join the NHS Pension Scheme (NHSPS). I am due to retire in July 2016, and wonder if it will be worthwhile joining the scheme to make just four years of pension contributions? It hardly seems worthwhile.

Marriage and pension

- Q: I am a GP approaching retirement. I would be grateful if you could let me know if there is a specific age by which I would need to marry someone, so that they would receive an NHS Pension Scheme (NHSPS) widow's or widower's pension, in case I die before they do. For example, do I need to have been married three years prior to the pension commencing? Or if I marry after I have taken my pension, would the surviving spouse get a widow's or widower's pension?