As you’re under 55, retiring might seem a long way off and your pension a low priority
However, it pays to be prepared and do some simple housekeeping.
As you have both your Retirement Income Builder (defined benefit pension) and savings in the Investment Builder (the defined contribution pension) here’s a few things worth keeping an eye on.
Here's our quick checklist:
1. Log in to My USS to view your benefits and savings
Check what you’ve built up and have a look at what these benefits might be worth when you retire by using the Benefit Calculator in My USS. The calculator will project what you’ll potentially get in the future and allow you to look at different options with taking your benefits, such as changing the age when you retire.
2. Keep your forms up to date
Even though you’ve left you still get life cover from USS, it’s important to keep your forms up to date.
A spouse, civil partner or other nominated person, could get a lump sum of three times the pension you’d built up. A spouse or civil partner could also be eligible for a pension equal to around half the amount you would have received on retirement. If you do not have a spouse or civil partner, a dependant’s pension might be paid. In addition, any children you have would potentially (depending on their age) be eligible for children’s pension in addition.
For any lump sum payable, you should keep your Expression of Wish form up to date.
If you do not have a spouse or civil partner but would like someone to receive a dependant’s pension, you should complete a registration of potential dependant form.
Dependants means any person(s) that, at the time of a USS member’s death, is either financially or physically dependent on them because of a physical or mental disability.
You can update your forms in the My details section when logging in to your My USS account, and to find out more about life cover at USS, read our factsheet.
3. Sign up for webinars to help with your pension
At USS, we have a whole range of guidance and advice regarding pension management on our website.
We work alongside Marsh (formerly Mercer) to run regular webinars, so you can make decisions regarding your pension that are right for you.
Whether you just want to understand your USS pension better and what your options are with the benefits you’ve left with USS, or want to plan ahead, our guidance webinars can help you get on track.
4. Make sure your TRA is up to date
As you have Investment Builder savings in your USS pension, it’s important to set a Target Retirement Age (TRA) if we are managing your investments for you (Do It For Me).
Your TRA is important because it tells us when to move any investments you have in the Investment Builder to more cautious funds as you get closer to taking them.
You can update your TRA in the Investment Builder section of My USS.
Published: 28 October 2026