Welcome to the first ever edition of our annual newsletter for pensioner scheme members.
This newsletter is all about you and your pension journey. Whether you're curious about your pension benefits, want to stay in the loop about recent changes, are interested in other member stories or need some handy tools and advice, we've got you covered.
We’d also like to gather more information about the lives of our members and how they feel about their pension and the SPPA, so please do share your views in our new annual member survey.
We hope you find this newsletter helpful. Please feel free to feedback using the ‘was this information useful’ button at the bottom of the page.
Remedy
The 2015 Remedy is a hot topic for many of our members. We’re asking all eligible members to pick between different pension benefits for what’s called the Remedy period (1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022). In some cases, it means your pension may increase.
- If you’re not sure what it is or want to check if you are eligible – find out more here.
- Already know all about it but want to know when you will receive your Remedy choice? Find our timelines here.
- We also have explainers for members who have already received their Remediable Service Statement. Understanding your choice letter.
What is a Remediable Service Statement or RSS?
It’s a bit of a mouthful we know. But really it’s just the letter you’ll get which will ask which pension benefits you would like to choose for the Remedy period.
P60s now available
Your annual P60 gives you a summary of the pension paid to you over the year, including tax deducted. To view your most recent P60 (or any previous ones), please register/login to our online member portal.
2024 annual pension increase
Pensions increase every year in line with inflation. That means from 8 April 2024, an increase of 6.7% was applied to the pensions of all eligible members.
The pension increase is payable to members who have reached age 55, or for those under age 55 who retired due to ill health. Members who receive a widow/er or dependant’s pension are also eligible.
Staying connected
By staying connected with the SPPA you gain access to valuable information and resources that can help you make informed decisions about your pension and retirement and keep up to date with any changes.
Our online portals
Sign up to our online member services to view your pension information (including your P60 and monthly payslips) and update your personal details if you have a change of circumstances.
Soon we will be moving all registered firefighter members onto a new member portal called Engage. We’re aiming to make this process as simple as possible for members and we’ll be in touch with you with more information nearer the time.
Customer support
Find out how to contact the team about specific subjects.
Website
Our website has a wealth of information about all things pension-related – you can find the firefighters section here.
Cost of living support Scotland
It can be difficult balancing the budget as the cost of living continues to rise, but there is advice and support out there.
Cost of living support Scotland is a brilliant hub for this type of information. There is general information on debt advice and budgeting as well as specific resources available for older people.
Member engagement survey
We’re on a mission to better understand and support our members. Please take ten minutes to fill out our engagement survey - it covers topics including how you feel about your pension and finances, and your preferences for getting information from us about your scheme. Take our Survey.