What is the 85 Year Rule?

The 1997 regulations introduced the rule of 85. If you elect to take your benefits before the age of 65, those benefits will be reduced unless your length of membership (in whole years) and age (in whole years) when added together equals 85 or more. If you do not satisfy the rule of 85 the benefits you receive will be actuarially reduced.

If you do not elect to receive benefits early they become payable from your normal retirement date at an unreduced rate.

The impact of the 85-year rule on your benefits can be confusing. If you are uncertain as to the amount of pension and lump that you can expect to receive at your chosen date of retirement you should contact the Pensions Team on 0845 6027237.