I'm being auto-enrolled

What it means

Auto-enrolment (short for automatic enrolment) offers workers the chance to join a workplace pension.

All employers must auto-enrol eligible staff into a pension scheme. This move is being introduced gradually, depending on the size of the company.

Why me?

As a new starter, you are being auto-enrolled because you:

are above the ‘earnings’ threshold
are at least 22 (but under State Pension age)
usually work in the UK

Even if you don’t meet the above criteria, you may be able to opt-in or join. Speak to your employer to find out if they will approve your application.

How it works

Once you’re auto-enrolled, both you and your employer pay regular contributions into the RPS. These are taken from your pay before tax,so that you benefit from tax relief.

Your employer manages the payroll process so you don’t have to worry about setting up payments and paying in.

Log into your RPS account to view your latest estimate.

Lump sum

Complete a Nomination form to tell the Scheme's administrator Railpen who you would like to receive any lump sum that may be payable if you die while working for your Section, by logging into your myRPS account.

This lump sum is paid out to your dependants or beneficiaries and could be worth up to four times your average pay.

Investments

If you are auto-enrolled into the IWDC section, remember that you can choose to have your investment funds selected for you, or choose them yourself. Whatever you decide to do, it’s important to keep track of your funds to make sure they’re right for you.

Can I opt out?

There's a one-month ‘cooling-off’ period after auto-enrolment when you can opt out if you want to.

How do I opt out?

Download the Opt out notice, or
Telephone the Helpline on 0800 012 1117, or
Email csu@railpen.com. You need your pension reference number when contacting Railpen.

However, you can still leave at any time, subject to your Section’s Rules. Speak to your employer first. You will get the chance to auto-enrol again in three years’ time.

Also in this section

Railways Pensions is powered by Railpen Limited
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Each of Railpen Limited (registered in England and Wales No. 2315380) and Railway Pension Investments Limited (RPIL) (Registered in England and Wales No. 1491097) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Railways Pension Trustee Company Limited (Registered in England and Wales No. 2934539). Registered office for each company: 100 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 2AT. RPIL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for some of its activities. The administration of occupational pension schemes is not a regulated activity. Full details about the extent of RPIL's authorisation and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.