Prior to 6 April 2009, pension credits were assumed to come into payment at age 65 (or age 60 for pension sharing orders implemented before 6 April 2006). Pension credit members were not allowed to claim their benefits at an earlier age.

However, we understand that it is now the case that for a pension sharing order implemented before 6 April 2009, the pension credit member will have the option to claim their pension credit benefits on attaining at least age 55. The credits will be adjusted for early payment using factors provided by the actuary.

For a pension sharing order implemented in AFPS75, AFPS05 or RFPS05 (or FTRS PS) on or after 6 April 2009, the pension credit awarded to the spouse will be calculated assuming that it will come into payment when the ex-spouse reaches age 65 or immediately if the ex-spouse is already over age 65.

For pension credits derived from AFPS15 service, 65 will be replaced by the ex-spouse's State Pension Age ("SPA").

For pension credits derived from NRPS PS service, pension credits are assumed to come into payment from age 60.

In all schemes, the pension credit member will have the option to claim their pension benefits on attaining at least age 55. If the benefits are taken before age 65 (or SPA for AFPS15 cases), then the pension credits will be adjusted for early payment using factors provided in the Consolidated Factors Workbook.