Firefighter Pension Schemes Explained
Navigating the complex landscape of the 1992, 2006, and 2015 pension schemes.
Pensions are one of the most valuable parts of a firefighter's remuneration package. However, with multiple legacy schemes and the transition to the 2015 CARE scheme, understanding what you are entitled to can be difficult.
The Three Main Schemes
Most serving firefighters currently have benefits in the 2015 Firefighters' Pension Scheme (FPS 2015), although many have accrued rights in the legacy 1992 and 2006 schemes. This guide breaks down the key differences.
FPS 1992
- • Final Salary Scheme
- • Double accrual after 20 years
- • Earliest retirement: 50 (with 25 years service)
NFPS 2006
- • Final Salary Scheme
- • 1/60th accrual rate
- • Earliest retirement: 55
FPS 2015
- • CARE (Career Average)
- • 1/59.7th accrual rate
- • Normal Pension Age: 60
The McCloud Remedy (2015 Remedy)
If you were serving between 1st April 2012 and 31st March 2015, you likely fall under the McCloud remedy coverage. This ruling determined that the transitional protections offered to older members were discriminatory.
What this means for you: You will be given a choice (deferred choice underpin) at retirement to receive benefits from either your legacy scheme or the 2015 scheme for the remedy period (2015–2022).
Contribution Rates (2024/25)
Contributions are tiered based on your pensionable pay. For the 2015 scheme in England, rates typically range from 11% to 14.5%.
Tip: Use our Pension Contribution Calculator to estimate your monthly deductions.
Ill-Health & Injury Benefits
The job carries risks, and the pension scheme provides protection. If you are permanently disabled from performing the duties of a firefighter, you may be eligible for an Ill-Health Pension (Lower Tier). If you cannot perform any regular employment, you may qualify for a Higher Tier award.
Further Reading
For official guidance, always consult your brigade's pension administrator or the LGA Firefighters' Pension Scheme website.