Early Retirement

Although age 65 is the normal retirement age, 60 is the most common age for the payment of deferred benefits. 

If you would like your deferred benefits to be paid earlier than age 60, you must speak to your ex-employer as their permission is required for early release of pension benefits.  Benefits can be released to deferred pensioners who are at least age 55. However, it may be possible to access the pension between the ages of 50 – 54.  Please contact the Pensions Section to find out at what age you may be eligible.

Your employer may also release the pension on compassionate grounds or if you are suffering from ill health.  Your case must be reviewed by an independent medical practitioner in order for benefits to be released on ill health grounds.  Your ex-employer will arrange for you to see a Pension Fund doctor.  If they approve your case, an ill health certificate will be signed and sent to the Clwyd Pension Fund.

Any early release of benefits will be notified to the Clwyd Pension Fund by your ex-employer.  They will instruct us to contact you and arrange payment.  The ex-employers permission is required as there may be a cost to them for allowing early release of benefits.  Please see list of employer contact details (71KB opening in a new window).

Except in cases of ill health, your pension benefits may be reduced for taking them before 65 unless you are eligible and meet the Rule of 85.