Civil service pension calculator
Use this civil service pension calculator to estimate the annual pension you could build up in alpha, the career average (CARE) section of the Civil Service Pension Scheme. This is an estimate based on the assumptions you choose, not a promise. Your annual benefit statement is the source of truth.
Rules last checked 13 October 2026.
Your pensionable pay. Check your payslip or your scheme guide for what counts as pensionable.
From now until you retire or leave.
Your alpha pension is adjusted each year in line with prices (CPI). No extra percentage is added. This is an example value, not a prediction.
Use the figure from your annual benefit statement. This calculator assumes it is the amount at the start of the first year you model.
You get £12 of lump sum for every £1 of annual pension you give up. This cannot be more than your total pension.
Uses the CPI rate you entered as the rate of price rises.
Enter your pensionable pay and the years you will keep building pension to see an estimate.
Nothing you enter leaves your device. This is an estimate, not financial advice. Your annual benefit statement shows your actual benefits.
How the alpha pension is worked out
alpha is a career average scheme. You build up pension at 2.32% of your pensionable pay each year, and the pension you have built up is adjusted in line with prices each year. Your pension is the total of the yearly amounts after adjustment.
For example, pensionable pay of £25,000 in a year builds £580 of pension for that year.
When you can retire
In alpha you have a Normal Pension Age, which is the same as your State Pension age or age 65 if that is later. You can check your State Pension age on GOV.UK.
You can take your pension earlier, but it is reduced. Check the alpha scheme guide for the earliest age and the reduction.
Civil service pension lump sum
A lump sum is not paid automatically in alpha. You can choose to exchange part of your pension for a tax-free lump sum, at £12 of lump sum for every £1 of pension you give up. The maximum is currently 25% of the total value of your pension benefits, and there are limits set by HMRC.
Only former classic and classic plus members may get an automatic lump sum, and that comes from their older pension, not alpha.
You can exchange up to 25% of the total value of your pension benefits for a tax-free lump sum, and HMRC limits also apply. HMRC's lump sum allowance is £268,275 for most people. This calculator does not check these limits.
Civil service pension contributions
Member contribution rates for scheme year 2026/27, based on the annualised rate of pensionable earnings:
| Annualised pensionable earnings | Contribution rate |
|---|---|
| Up to £36,199 | 4.60% |
| £36,200 to £56,000 | 5.45% |
| £56,001 to £150,000 | 7.35% |
| £150,001 and above | 8.05% |
The contribution rates are unchanged from 2025/26. Only the two lower pay thresholds increased, in line with the previous September's CPI rate: they were £34,799 and £34,800 in 2025/26, and are now £36,199 and £36,200. Rates are subject to change.
Older civil service pension schemes
Classic, classic plus, premium and nuvos are older schemes. Premium and nuvos members do not get an automatic lump sum, and classic and classic plus members may. This calculator does not cover them. Check your annual benefit statement.
What this calculator does not include
- Classic, classic plus, premium and nuvos.
- The partnership pension account.
- Early and late retirement adjustments.
- Lump sum limit checks.
- Tax on the pension.
- Death and family benefits.
- Ill-health benefits.
- Pension increases after retirement.
- The McCloud remedy choices.
- The Annual Allowance or other tax limits.
Compare with other public sector schemes: NHS pension calculator, teachers' pension calculator and police pension calculator.
Have a private pension too? Try the pension drawdown calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How is a civil service pension calculated in alpha?
alpha is a career average scheme. You build up pension at 2.32% of your pensionable pay each year, and your pension is adjusted in line with prices. Your pension is the total of the adjusted yearly amounts.
What is the normal pension age in alpha?
It is the same as your State Pension age, or age 65 if that is later. You can check your State Pension age on GOV.UK.
Is there an automatic lump sum in alpha?
No. A lump sum is not paid automatically in alpha. You can choose to exchange part of your pension for a tax-free lump sum at £12 for every £1 of pension you give up, up to the HMRC limit of currently 25% of the total value of your pension benefits.
How much do I pay into the civil service pension?
For 2026/27 the rates are 4.60% for annualised pensionable earnings up to £36,199, 5.45% for £36,200 to £56,000, 7.35% for £56,001 to £150,000, and 8.05% for £150,001 and above.
Did civil service pension contributions change in 2026?
The rates are unchanged. The two lower pay thresholds increased in line with the previous September's CPI rate.
Does this calculator cover classic, premium and nuvos?
No. It covers alpha only. If you have older membership, check your annual benefit statement, because those schemes work differently.
Can I retire early from alpha?
You can take your pension earlier, but it is reduced. Check the alpha scheme guide for the earliest age and the size of the reduction.
Is my pension adjusted for inflation while I am working?
Yes. The pension you have built up in alpha is adjusted in line with prices each year while you are an active member.
Sources
Rules checked against these pages on 13 October 2026:
- Civil Service Pension Scheme: member contributions for 2026/27
- Civil Service Pension Scheme: alpha or partnership overview
- alpha scheme guide: exchanging pension for a lump sum
- Civil Service Pension Scheme: is a lump sum payable in alpha?
- GOV.UK: Civil Service Pension Scheme 2024 actuarial valuation overview
- GOV.UK: Lump Sum Allowance
- GOV.UK: Check your State Pension age
Read how we keep calculators accurate, or browse all UK calculators.
PayPrompt is independent and is not affiliated with the Civil Service Pension Scheme, Civil Service Pensions or any pension administrator.
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