Quick help
Quick help
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Which scheme am I in?
When did you join the scheme?
After April 2012:
New employees join the DC Retirement Plan.
Between 5 April 2003 and 31 March 2012:
Employees joined BAE Systems Pension Scheme - Level 100+
Before 5 April 2003 (or if you were in a scheme provided by your previous employer which has become part of BAE Systems):BAE Systems Pension Scheme - Level 125, 167, 187 and 200 Benefits
BAE Systems Pension Scheme - Aircrew Section (Pre 2003 Joiners)
BAE Systems Pension Scheme - Passport Benefits
BAE Systems Pension Scheme - 2000 Plan Benefits
BAE Systems Pension Scheme – Alvis Benefits
BAE Systems Pension Scheme – SIPS Benefits
Royal Ordnance Pension SchemeIf you're unsure which Scheme you are in, please Contact Us.
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I'm not in a pension scheme. How do I join?Information about joining the BAE Systems DC Retirement Plan is on the Non Members section of this website.
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How much can I pay into my pension?Details about the amount of contributions you pay into the scheme as well as paying AVCs can be found in your scheme section of this website.
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As a member of the DC Retirement Plan can I change the amount of contributions I pay?You must pay at least 4% of your basic salary to be a member. You have the opportunity to pay an additional 1% or 2%, which the Company will match.You can also choose to pay Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help boost your pension savings. You can change your matching contributions and/or AVCs at any time.By accessing the Standard Life website you will be able to find out all the information you need about changing your matching contributions and/or paying or changing your AVCs. You will also be able to find out information on the investment choices available, your options on retirement, as well as the forms required to start paying or to change the level of your matching contributions or AVC payments. From here you will also be able manage your DC account online by accessing Standard Life's Online Services.
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How do I start paying AVCs or pay a lump sum into my AVC?The Trustee has chosen Standard Life for the investment of AVCs. By accessing the Standard Life website you will be able to find out all the information you need about paying AVCs, the investment choices available, your options on retirement, as well as the forms required to start paying or to change the level of your AVC payments. From here you will also be able manage your AVC account online by accessing Standard Life's Online Services.
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How do I claim tax relief if I wish to pay a lump sum AVC outside of payroll?
If you pay a lump sum AVC via payroll tax relief is automatically applied. You do not have to do anything to get the full tax relief (even if you are a higher rate tax payer). This should always be the preferred route.Alternatively, you can pay a lump sum AVC by bank transfer, however as this will not be transacted via payroll, it will be your responsibility to reclaim the tax back. You can do this in two ways:1. Via a Self-Assessment tax return.2. Call or write to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you don’t normally fill in a tax return. You can find details of the many ways you can contact HMRC here and they will be able to help you.The re-claiming of tax is time consuming and also involves a process that will be unfamiliar to most. It is therefore recommended that whenever possible if you wish to pay AVCs you do this via payroll.If you are looking to pay a lump sum AVC directly at any time during the year (as opposed to just at March bonus time), please contact your scheme administrator who will be able to guide you through the process and provide you with the relevant payment details.
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As a member of a BAE Systems defined benefit pension scheme can I change my pension level?If you are a member of one of the sections of the BAE Systems Pension Scheme listed below, you have the option to change your pension level once a year at the beginning of April.
• Level 125, 167, 187 or 200 Benefits
• Alvis Benefits
• SIPS (VSEL and Portsmouth) Benefits
Each year a news item will be added to the Scheme website reminding members of this option and the forms that you will need to complete will be added to the website. There will be a cut-off date for the return of these forms which will typically be in early February. More information about the respective levels for each section, can be found in your member booklet located in your Scheme area of this website.
If you are a member of any BAE Systems defined benefit scheme you may wish to consider paying Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to help boost your pension savings. The Trustees have chosen Standard Life for the investment of AVCs. By accessing the Standard Life website you will be able to find out all the information you need about paying AVCs, the investment choices available, your options on retirement, as well as the forms required to start paying or to change the level of your AVC payments. From here you will also be able manage your AVC account online by accessing Standard Life's Online Services.
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Who do I contact about my pensions query?SIPS Benefit members should contact the Administration Centre at Capita and all other members should contact the Pensions Service Centre for information. You can find their details by going to the Contact Us section of this website.
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If I change from my standard working hours how will this affect my pension?SIPS Benefit members should contact the Administration Centre at Capita and all other members should contact the Pensions Service Centre for information. You can find their details by going to the Contact Us section of this website.
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When can I retire?You may usually retire anytime from age 55. For SIPS Benefit members further details are available from the Administration Centre at Capita. For all other members further details are available from the Pensions Service Centre. You can find their details by going to the Contact Us section of this website.
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How do I get a retirement quote?For SIPS Benefits members you can obtain a retirement quote by logging onto Hartlink and requesting a retirement quotation. Hartlink will calculate the pension and tax free lump sum at the date you choose. If you decide to retire you will need to obtain a formal retirement quote from the Administration Centre at Capita. For all other members you can obtain a retirement quote by logging on to MyPension and requesting a retirement quotation. MyPension will calculate the pension and tax free lump sum at the date you choose. If you decide to retire you will need to obtain a formal retirement quote from the Pensions Service Centre. You can find their details by going to the Contact Us section of this website.
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Who do I contact if I cannot get access to Hartlink or MyPension?For SIPS Benefits members you will need to contact the Administration Centre at Capita on 0345 601 0607 (if calling from overseas: +44 (0) 141 222 5125). For all other members you will need to call the Pensions Service Centre helpline number on 0800 917 9568.
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What happens to my pension when I leave the Company?Your pension will remain in the scheme until you retire unless you decide to transfer it to another pension scheme.
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I am a deferred member. What happens when I reach my retirement age?We will automatically contact you if we have your address so please remember to keep us informed of your current address in order that we can write to you as you approach retirement. Further information about your deferred options is available in the deferred leaflet or on Hartlink for SIPS Benefits members and MyPension for all other members.
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How do I change my Expression of Wish form?Download the form which you can find in your scheme area of this website. Complete and send this to the address on the form. If you do not wish this to be scanned please put it in a sealed envelope but remember to write the name of the scheme, your member number, your name and date of birth on the envelope.
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How do I notify you of a change of address?SIPS Benefit members should notify the Administration Centre at Capita and all other members should notify the Pensions Service Centre. You can find their details by going to the Contact Us section of this website. For those deferred and pensioner members who have access to MyPension you can update your address online by logging into MyPension.
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How do I notify you of a change of bank details?SIPS Benefit members should notify the Administration Centre at Capita and all other members should notify the Pensions Service Centre. You can find their details by going to the Contact Us section of this website.
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Where can I view my P60 or monthly pension payslip?For SIPS Benefits members you can view your P60 and monthly pension payslip by logging on to Hartlink. If you do not have any login details or you are having problems accessing the site please contact the Administration Centre at Capita on 0345 601 0607. For all other members you can view your P60 and monthly pension payslip by logging on to MyPension. If you do not have any login details or you are having problems accessing the site please call the helpline 0871 384 2682.
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Where can I find out about pensioner associations?Information about pensioner associations can be found in the Pensioners section of the website.
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I need to report a death. What do I need to do?SIPS Benefit members should contact the Administration Centre at Capita and all other members should contact the Pensions Service Centre for information. You can find their details by going to the Contact Us section of this website.
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I want to opt out of the scheme. What do I need to do?If you are thinking of opting out of the scheme and you are a SIPS Benefits member you should contact the Administration Centre at Capita. For all other members you should contact the Pensions Service Centre. You can find their details by going to the Contact Us section of this website.
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How do I get a transfer value for divorce purposes?You can submit an email enquiry under the Contact Us section of this website to obtain a Cash Equivalent Transfer Value.
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Where can I see a copy of the Rules of the Scheme?SIPS Benefit members should contact the Administration Centre at Capita and all other members should contact the Pensions Service Centre for information. You can find their details by going to the Contact Us section of this website.