Alpha is the Civil Service's career average pension scheme. Each year you build a pension of 2.32% of your pensionable earnings, increased every year in line with CPI. In 2026/27 members pay 4.6% to 8.05% of pay depending on earnings, and the full pension is payable from the later of 65 and your State Pension age.
Most people who have joined the Civil Service since 1 April 2015 are alpha members (CSPS). If you were a member of an older Civil Service scheme on or before 31 March 2012, the McCloud remedy may give you a choice about part of your service (Civil Service Pension Scheme).
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Alpha key figures for 2026/27
| Figure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Accrual rate | 2.32% of actual pensionable earnings each scheme year | CSPS factsheet |
| Revaluation while you are a member | In line with CPI each year (1.7% was applied in 2025) | CSPS factsheet |
| Member contributions | 4.6% to 8.05%, by earnings band | CSPS |
| Employer contribution | 28.97% in 2025/26, the latest rate the scheme publishes | CSPS |
| Normal Pension Age | The later of 65 and your State Pension age | CSPS |
| Earliest age to take alpha pension (reduced) | 55 (minimum pension age) | CSPS |
| Annual Allowance | £60,000 | HMRC |
| Full new State Pension, for comparison | £241.30 a week | DWP |
The employer rate is the one to read carefully: 28.97% is the latest figure the scheme publishes and it is a 2025/26 rate, not a 2026/27 one. Every figure was re-read at its Civil Service Pension Scheme, HMRC or DWP source on 27 September 2026.
Contribution rates for 2026/27
Your rate depends on your actual annual pensionable earnings. The whole of your pensionable pay is charged at your band's rate.
| Annual pensionable earnings | 2026/27 member rate | 2025/26 band |
|---|---|---|
| £0 to £36,199 | 4.60% | up to £34,799 |
| £36,200 to £56,000 | 5.45% | £34,800 to £56,000 |
| £56,001 to £150,000 | 7.35% | unchanged |
| £150,001 and over | 8.05% | unchanged |
Source: Civil Service Pension Scheme, contribution rates. The rates are the same as last year; the lowest band now runs to £36,199.
Contributions are taken before income tax, so you get tax relief at your highest rate automatically. National Insurance is still charged on your full pay.
How alpha pension builds up
Each scheme year runs from 1 April to 31 March. You add 2.32% of that year's pensionable earnings to your pension, and at the start of the next scheme year the whole balance is increased in line with CPI (CSPS factsheet).
Worked example: £32,000 pensionable earnings
| Line | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pension built this year | £32,000 × 2.32% | £742.40 a year |
| Your contribution (band 1) | £32,000 × 4.6% | £1,472 a year |
| Monthly deduction | £1,472 ÷ 12 | £122.67 |
| Cost after basic-rate tax relief | £1,472 × 80% | £1,177.60 a year |
The scheme's own example uses £16,000 of earnings: £16,000 × 2.32% = £371.20 of pension, increased by 1.7% in 2025 to £377.51.
Worked example: £45,000 for 30 years
Ignoring CPI increases, 30 years at £45,000 builds 30 × (£45,000 × 2.32%) = 30 × £1,044 = £31,320 a year of pension. In practice each year's pension is revalued by CPI until you retire, so the cash figure at retirement will be higher. The full new State Pension, currently £241.30 a week or £12,547.60 a year, would be paid on top if you have a full National Insurance record (DWP).
The McCloud remedy
In 2015 the government moved most public service workers into new career average schemes but let those closest to retirement stay in the older schemes. The Court of Appeal found that discriminatory. The fix is known as the 2015 remedy (CSPS).
You may be affected if you were a member of a public service pension scheme on or before 31 March 2012 and were in pensionable service on or after 1 April 2015 (CSPS). Affected members receive a Remediable Service Statement (RSS). The scheme says the first batch went to 43% of affected members and the rest will follow; some members will need to make a choice about how their benefits for the remedy period are calculated.
Partial retirement
Alpha lets you take some or all of your pension while you keep working, if your employer agrees. You must be over the minimum pension age, currently 55, have built up some alpha pension, and reduce your pensionable earnings by at least 20%. If you take it before your Normal Pension Age it is reduced, because it will be paid for longer. You must give at least four months' notice (CSPS).
Annual Allowance
The Annual Allowance is £60,000 for most people, with carry forward of unused allowance from the previous 3 tax years (HMRC). In a career average scheme the test is the growth in your pension over the year, so a large promotion is the usual trigger. If you owe a charge of more than £2,000, you can usually ask the scheme to pay it from your pension under Scheme Pays.
Death benefits
If you die while an active member, alpha can pay a lump sum to the people you have nominated and pensions for eligible dependants, including a partner and children. A child's pension is usually paid to 18, or 23 if in education or training (CSPS). Keep your nomination up to date. The amounts depend on whether you were active, deferred or a pensioner, and the scheme's guide sets them out.
How alpha shows on your payslip
- Pension deduction: your band's percentage of pensionable pay, taken before income tax.
- Pensionable pay: normally basic pay and pensionable allowances.
- Employer contribution: not usually shown.
Check the band after a pay rise or promotion. Moving from £36,000 to £37,000, for example, moves you from 4.6% to 5.45% on your whole pensionable pay.
To check the tax, NI and pension lines on your own slip, see How do I check my payslip is correct?.
Should you opt out?
For most members, no. Your employer contributes far more than you do, and you would lose that contribution by opting out. Opting out can make sense in narrow cases, for example very close to leaving with large Annual Allowance charges. Take regulated financial advice before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I pay into the alpha pension in 2026/27?
It depends on your annual pensionable earnings: 4.6% up to £36,199, 5.45% from £36,200 to £56,000, 7.35% from £56,001 to £150,000, and 8.05% above £150,000. The rate applies to your whole pensionable pay.
How much alpha pension do I build each year?
2.32% of your actual pensionable earnings for the scheme year, which runs from 1 April to 31 March. On £32,000 that is £742.40 a year of pension, and the total is increased every year in line with CPI.
When can I take my alpha pension?
Your full pension is payable from your Normal Pension Age, which is the later of 65 and your State Pension age. You can take it from 55, but it will be reduced because it is paid for longer.
Am I affected by the McCloud remedy?
You may be if you were a member of a public service pension scheme on or before 31 March 2012 and were in pensionable service on or after 1 April 2015. Affected members receive a Remediable Service Statement from the scheme.
Can I take my alpha pension and keep working?
Yes, through partial retirement, if your employer agrees. You must be over the minimum pension age, have some alpha pension, and reduce your pensionable earnings by at least 20%.
Sources
All sources were opened and checked by PayslipIQ on 21 September 2026.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme: Contribution rates. Member rates for 2026/27 and 2025/26; employer rate 2025/26. Verified 21 Sep 2026.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme: alpha contributions explained factsheet. 2.32% accrual and CPI revaluation. Verified 21 Sep 2026.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme: alpha: thinking about retirement, partial retirement and death benefits. Verified 21 Sep 2026.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme: Remedy Hub and Am I affected?. Verified 21 Sep 2026.
- HMRC (GOV.UK): Tax on your private pension: annual allowance. Verified 21 Sep 2026.
- DWP (GOV.UK): The new State Pension. £241.30 a week. Verified 21 Sep 2026.
Disclaimer
PayslipIQ provides educational guidance based on published scheme and government information. It is not regulated pension advice. For decisions about the McCloud remedy, partial retirement, Annual Allowance charges or opting out, use the scheme's own tools and consider regulated financial advice.
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Check my payslip freePayslipIQ provides educational information and estimated calculations only. It does not provide tax, legal, financial, payroll, accounting, pension, benefits or employment advice. Always verify your payslip, tax code, deductions and take-home pay with your employer's payroll department, HMRC, your pension provider, a qualified accountant, tax adviser or another appropriately qualified professional.