Published
18th March 2026
18th March 2026
What contributions do I pay?
Your contribution rate depends on how much you earn. Currently, it ranges from 5.5% to 12.5% of your pensionable pay. You can view the latest contribution bands on the LGPS member website https://www.lgpsmember.org/your-pension/the-essentials/your-contributions/
When you join the scheme, and at least each April afterwards, your employer will set your contribution rate. If your pay changes during the year, your employer may review your rate. If you have more than one job, your employer will set a separate contribution rate for each post.
Can I pay more?
Yes, you can increase your pension by paying:
Additional Pension Contributions (APCs)
Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
…or a combination of both.
To find out the cost of buying extra pension through APCs, you can use the LGPS Extra Pension Calculator by visiting https://www.lgpsmember.org/help-and-support/tools-and-calculators/buy-extra-pension-calculator/.
The cost depends on your age, how much extra pension you choose to buy, and how you pay for it (lump sum or regular contributions).
For Shared Cost AVCs with Lambeth Council, AVCs are administered by My Money Matters.
You can learn more by visiting https://www.my-money-matters.co.uk/.
Can I pay less?
Yes, the LGPS offers a 50/50 option, where you pay half your normal contribution rate and build up half the normal pension, while keeping full life cover and full ill‑health protection.
Find out more
To find out more about paying more or less please view this short video:-
Looking after your pension (1 minute 46 seconds)
This video is available from the dedicated national LGPS member website www.lgpsmember.org where you can find out everything you need to know about the LGPS.
