USS is a hybrid pension scheme, so it has both a defined benefit (DB) section the Retirement Income Builder and defined contribution (DC) section, the Investment Builder. Watch the video that explains how they work.
Make the most of your Annual Member Statement
Your Annual Member Statement (AMS) details the benefits and savings you had in USS as at 31 March 2026. It’s also an opportunity to think about any changes you’d like to make.
Use your statement to help plan your retirement
Your statement is a good opportunity to check whether you’re on track for the retirement you want.
- So, think about how much you’ll need.
- Use the Benefit Calculator in My USS, to help estimate what you could get at retirement. You can use it to see the impact of retiring at different ages and see how changes to your contributions could impact your retirement income.
- Think about the options you have when you reach retirement which can affect how you receive your pension. Read more on this on our pages thinking about your future and your options at different ages and stages.
You can get your statement from My USS. If you’re not registered for My USS, it only takes a few minutes — you just need your member number and National Insurance number to get started.
If you’ve joined USS since 31 March 2026, you’ll receive your first statement from us in 2027.
Member webinars
Understand your USS benefits
To help you get to grips with your benefits, check out our guidance webinars.
They cover a range of topics, from pension basics to planning ahead for your retirement, pension tax, and more.
If you prefer you can watch a recording at a time that suits you, or just pick up clips on the topics that mean most to you.
Some useful information
Financial advice and further information
The information included in your Annual Member Statement is given only for the purposes of illustration and does not represent any promise or guarantee as to the amount of benefits that you may receive and should not be relied upon when making any retirement or other financial decisions.
Please contact your employer in the first instance if you need a retirement quote or if you think any personal information in your statement may not be complete or accurate. However, if you have a query on any of the figures referred to in your Annual Member Statement contact us.
We strongly recommend that you speak to an independent financial adviser before making, or refraining from making, any decision in relation to your USS benefits.
If you want to seek guidance or take financial advice on the options available to you, you can visit our guidance and financial advice page. You’ll find a range of resources to support your planning and you can also find information on how to access an independent financial adviser.
There is a wide range of helpful information on My USS and our website. You can get impartial help and information, backed by the government and free to use from MoneyHelper.
This web page summarises elements of USS. It is not a legal document and does not explain all situations or eventualities. USS is governed by a trust deed and rules and if there is any difference between this publication and the trust deed and rules the latter shall prevail. You are advised to check with your employer contact for the latest information regarding the scheme, and for any changes that may have occurred to its rules and benefits.