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Pensions

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), joining the scheme, pension contributions, transferring from or to the scheme, the Dumfries and Galloway Pension Fund.

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is one of the largest pension schemes in the UK. It is open to new and current employees of Dumfries and Galloway Council and certain employers who are admitted to the scheme.

Local Government Pension Scheme website

The Dumfries and Galloway Pension Fund

In Scotland the LGPS is administered by 11 administering authorities. Dumfries and Galloway Council is the administering authority for the Dumfries and Galloway Pension Fund,

Enrolment into the scheme

As an employee, you will automatically join the scheme when you start your employment, provided you have a contract of three months or more. If you are not already a member and you want to join, download and complete a pensions joining form.

If you are not already a member and you subsequently meet the automatic enrolment – GOV.UK criteria, you will automatically join the LGPS from the pay period in which this occurs.

Alternatively, if you have opted-out of the LGPS in the past you may be re-enrolled back into the scheme again in the future.

Your annual benefits statement

Each year we send active and deferred members an annual statement by 31 August. You can view your statement online using the Pensions Online Portal.

The Dumfries and Galloway Pensions Online Portal

Log in to your Pensions Online Portal account

Create a new Pensions Online Portal account

In your account you can:

  • view your benefits statement
  • view and update your nominated beneficiaries
  • calculate your future benefits
  • explore your retirement options
  • view and update your personal information, including your address and contact details

Changing your address

If you change your address in your account, remember to also update it on iTrent self service. If you are not a Dumfries and Galloway Council employee, you must also inform your employer of your new address.

The benefits of LPGS

LGPS membership is an important part of your employment benefits package, building secure income for your future retirement. Benefits include:

  • a secure pension when you retire, you pay pension contributions and your employer does too
  • your pension is worked out each year with inflation added, so it keeps up with the cost of living
  • the scheme is flexible, you can choose to pay less or more
  • you receive tax relief on your pension contributions
  • you have the option when you draw your pension to exchange part of it for tax free cash
  • you can draw your benefits anytime between the age of 55 and 75
  • immediate life cover, ill health protection
  • pension payable to dependents including spouses, civil partners, eligible cohabiting partners and children
  • lump sum death benefits

Further information is available on each of the benefits from the scheme:

The 85-year rule

If you were a member of the LGPS at any time between 1 April 1998 and 30 November 2006, you may be protected under the 85-year rule – LGPS Scotland.

Data protection

For more on how we manage your personal data, read the pensions privacy notice. 

Pensions Communications Policy

The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2018 requires us to prepare, publish and review a communication policy.