Here’s a summary of how USS deals with specific situations. Click the relevant link to take you to more detailed information.
Getting a new job
Flexibility to move around the higher education system and keep your membership of USS.
Taking a leave of absence
Options for both voluntary and involuntary leave of absences.
Changing your working hours
Flexibility to cope with any changes in your workings hours.
Becoming a parent
Reassurance for you during periods of maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
Divorce
USS will liaise with solicitors to determine the value of any share of your pension benefits to a former husband/wife/civil partner.
Redundancy
Access to your pension early if you are made redundant or are requested to retire by your employer.
Leaving pensionable employment
If you don’t stay in higher education we will work out the benefits you have built up in USS.
This is usually an annual pension with tax-free cash, the value of which increases in line with price inflation in the UK up to your retirement.
Also, if you have less than 2 years’ membership, you can elect to receive a refund (less certain tax and National Insurance deductions required by law) or receive a pension based on your contributions only.
You can also transfer the full value of your pension from USS to another pension scheme.
Ill-Health
Two levels of ill-health retirement pension, which we call ‘incapacity benefit’, the amount dependent on the severity of your condition.
Death
Protection for your beneficiaries in the event of your death whilst you are paying into the scheme, also during your retirement or after you have left USS but left benefits in the scheme.