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  • Stakeholder pensions

    Topics:
    • Working in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, 
    • FAQs and information for NICS Pension Schemes Members

    A stakeholder pension is a type of pension which became available in April 2001. The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) has appointed Standard Life as its stakeholder pension provider.

    Do I have to be a member of the NICS pension schemes?

    You do not have to be a member of the NICS pension schemes to invest in a stakeholder pension. You can contribute whether you are employed in a permanent or casual basis.

    Is there a limit to how much I can contribute?

    There is no limit to the amount that you can contribute. You will receive tax relief on total pension contributions up to 100 per cent of your taxable earnings, or £3,600 a year, whichever is greater.

    More information

    For more information visit the Standard Life website or ring the helpline on 0800 333305.

    Alternatively, you can go to a provider of your own choice.

    From April 2006 you can increase your contributions. However, if this takes you over the annual allowance, you will have to report this and pay any extra tax.

    Related content

    • 2015 Remedy Regulations
    • Active Member Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Added Pension - Limits and Deadlines
    • alpha moving dates
    • Annual Benefit Statements - FAQs
    • Benefits of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Pension Scheme
    • Deferred Members Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Employee Contribution Rates
    • Employee Pension Notices
    • Exceptions to the Transfer Ban - Additional Q&A - April 2015
    • General information for pensioners
    • Immediate Choice Remediable Service Statement (RSS) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Important information about transfer restrictions before 6 April 2015
    • Important information about transfer restrictions from 6 April 2015
    • List of NICS Employers
    • McCloud Judgment and Remedy FAQs
    • McCloud Judgment and Remedy FAQs - Remedy PSS
    • McCloud Judgment and Remedy FAQs - Tax
    • National Fraud Initiative
    • Partial Retirement
    • Pension Fraud
    • Pension payment details
    • Pension Savings Statement and Pension Taxation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Pension Savings Statements
    • Pensioners Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Pensions and tax
    • Pensions Information Sessions
    • Remedy Pension Savings Statement (Remedy PSS)
    • Retirement Lump Sums
    • Scheme Pays
    • Suspension of Cash Equivalent Transfer Values (CETV) calculations
    • Transfers
    • Voluntary deductions
    • Which NICS pension scheme am I in?
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