NHS Additional Pension Calculator 2026
Instantly calculate the cost, monthly contributions, and lifetime benefits of buying extra pension (APC) in the NHS Pension Scheme. Perfect for NHS staff planning a secure retirement.
NHS APC Calculator
Calculate the cost and benefits of Additional Pension Contributions
The extra annual pension you wish to purchase (max £7,833 for 24/25).
Based on your age. E.g., ~£12.40 at age 25, ~£17.20 at age 50.
How many years you will pay contributions before retiring.
How many years you expect to draw the pension after retiring.
Choose how many decimal places to show in results.
Your NHS APC Projection
Total cost, monthly contributions, and lifetime benefits
Enter your details above and click Calculate APC to see your NHS Additional Pension projection.
Approximate Cost Factors by Age
The cost to buy £1 of additional pension increases with age. These are illustrative factors; check your exact factor on the NHS Business Services Authority website.
| Age | Approx. Cost per £1 | Cost for £1,000 Pension |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | £12.40 | £12,400 |
| 30 | £13.10 | £13,100 |
| 35 | £13.90 | £13,900 |
| 40 | £14.80 | £14,800 |
| 45 | £15.90 | £15,900 |
| 50 | £17.20 | £17,200 |
| 55 | £18.80 | £18,800 |
| 60 | £20.90 | £20,900 |
NHS Additional Pension FAQ
Everything you need to know about buying Additional Pension Contributions (APC) in the NHS Pension Scheme 2015.
NHS Additional Pension Contributions (APC) allow NHS employees to buy extra annual pension within the NHS Pension Scheme 2015. You pay either regular monthly contributions or a lump sum to increase your retirement income by a specific amount each year.
For the 2024/25 tax year, you can buy up to £7,833 of additional pension per year. This limit is typically adjusted annually in line with CPI inflation. You can elect to buy any amount up to this maximum limit.
The cost is calculated using a ‘cost factor’ based on your age on your birthday just before you make the election. The younger you are, the lower the cost per £1 of pension, because your contributions will be invested for a longer period before retirement. For example, it might cost around £12.40 to buy £1 of pension at age 25, but closer to £17.20 at age 50.
Yes, if you choose to pay via monthly salary sacrifice (which is the default method for most NHS staff). The contributions are taken from your gross pay before tax and National Insurance are calculated, effectively giving you immediate tax relief at your highest marginal rate. If you pay via a lump sum, you can also claim tax relief through the relief at source method.
Yes. Once you retire, your NHS additional pension is increased annually in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), protecting your purchasing power against inflation throughout your retirement, just like the main scheme pension.
Yes, you can choose to pay for your additional pension via a single lump sum instead of monthly contributions. This is often chosen by staff who have received a bonus, inheritance, or have savings they wish to convert into a guaranteed, index-linked lifetime income.