Paid maternity leave

While on paid maternity leave, your pension scheme membership will continue and you'll pay scheme contributions at the same percentage rate. Contributions will be based on your actual pensionable pay which will be either full pay or Statutory Maternity Pay.

Unpaid maternity leave

Any period of unpaid leave is regarded as non-pensionable, therefore you'll not be eligible to pay scheme contributions during this period - or to cover any 'missed' contributions by paying extra when you return to work. Any pension you have accrued will be preserved and, while on authorised leave, you'll continue to remain covered for death in service benefits.

Keeping in Touch days

Any Keeping in Touch days you undertake are pensionable and you will pay scheme contributions based on the pensionable pay you actually receive.

If you don't intend to return to work after maternity leave

Your last day of scheme membership will be the last day you pay scheme contributions. Any pension you have accrued will be preserved.

Paid parental leave

While on paid parental leave, you'll remain a member of the scheme and continue to pay scheme contributions at your normal percentage rate on the pensionable pay you actually receive during your leave period.

Unpaid parental leave

Any period of unpaid leave is regarded as non-pensionable, therefore you'll not be eligible to pay scheme contributions during this period - or to cover any 'missed' contributions by paying extra when you return to work. While on authorised leave, you'll remain covered for death in service benefits and any pension accrued will be preserved.

Making a nomination

Lump sum on Death

Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme provides benefits on death. 

You can only request that a nomination be made to an individual or individuals.

In the event of your death, benefits will automatically (on application) be paid to your:

• spouse
• civil partner
• surviving partner.

However, if you do not wish any of the above to receive death benefits, you also have the option to make a specific nomination. You can request that a nomination be made to either: a) an individual or individuals, or b) a personal representative, or c) a corporate or unincorporated body. However, you cannot have a combination of the above.

If you have no spouse/civil partner/surviving partner when you die and you have not made a nomination, the lump sum will be paid to your legal personal representative and will form part of your estate.

If you have nominated two or more individuals to receive the lump sum, you should specify the exact proportion that each individual is to receive. This should be expressed as a whole percentage and must total 100%. If your nominee dies, the designated proportion of the lump sum that is due to them will be paid to your personal representative. It is therefore, in your interest to ensure that you submit a fresh nomination form when there are any changes.

You should ensure that we are advised of any change in your nominee’s contact details and it is your responsibility to ensure that all nominees are aware of the terms of the nomination.

Nominations can be revoked at any time and if you wish to revoke or change your nomination, please notify us. This will supersede any previous nominations made.

If you are currently a member of both NHS and STSS, please complete two separate forms. We will acknowledge receipt of your application using the email address supplied. We will not under any circumstances supply this to another party.

Lump sum on death nomination form.