You can take your AVC pot as a single lump sum. Normally the first 25% is tax-free but the rest may be subject to income tax. You can leave the money in your AVC pot and take out cash lump sums whenever you need to – until it’s all gone or you decide to do something else.

Can you get state pension and teachers pension?

As the Teachers’ Pension Scheme was contracted-out of the Additional State Pension, the Scheme provides the equivalent of the Additional State Pension as part of the teacher’s pension. Hence you will not have an Additional State Pension for any period you were in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme up to 5 April 2016.

Are AVCs a good investment for teachers?

AVCs can be a smart way to save for your future because of the tax savings and they give you several options for how and when you retire. As your AVC is invested, it has the potential to grow. But remember, the value can do down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Are pension AVCs worth it?

If you’re looking to build a strong pension pot, an AVC pension can be a great option. Even if your employer doesn’t offer a matched AVC pension, you can contribute as much or as little as you like every month. Quite simply, all the usual advantages of a pension apply to an AVC pension.

Will teachers pensions increase in 2021?

Pensions Increase Rates PI this year will be 0.5%, which will be applied from 12 April 2021. As the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 doesn’t provide for a decrease in the rate of public service pensions a negative CPI rate will result in a Pensions Increase rate of 0%.

Are Avcs worth it?

AVC pensions are eligible for government tax relief on pension contributions, which gives a significant boost to everything you save into them. As a result, an AVC pension can be a particularly tax-efficient option for people with higher incomes, as it allows you to save more of your money to enjoy in later life.

Can I access my AVC at 55?

It’s possible to cash in an AVC pension at the age of 55, no matter if you’re still working or intend to retire. However you decide to access your AVC pension, after the first 25% tax-free amount, income tax will be charged at your highest rate.

What is a teachers AVC?

What’s an AVC? An AVC plan is a separate pot of money you build up alongside your teachers’ pension, that aims to give you extra retirement benefits. Regular contributions are taken directly from your pay before tax.

How are voluntary contributions added to teachers pension?

Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) AVCs are another way of increasing your benefits. Your contributions build up an additional pension that is separate to your teachers’ pension. The Teachers’ Pension Scheme has AVC arrangements with Prudential but you can use other companies.

Is the AVC pot the same as teachers pension?

Your AVC pot is a separate pot of money, which means you don’t have to take it at the same time as your teachers’ pension scheme benefits. If the worst happens and you pass away before you’re eligible to take your money, we’ll pay the value as a lump sum.

How are additional voluntary contributions ( AVCs ) work for teachers?

Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) AVCs are another way of increasing your benefits. Your contributions build up an additional pension that is separate to your teacher’s pension. The Department for Education has arrangements with Prudential but you can use other companies. You can find out more by visiting

How does an AVC pension work for You?

An AVC pension is an ‘additional voluntary contribution’ pension that you can build alongside your workplace pension scheme. It can be a tax-efficient method of boosting your retirement savings as any additional voluntary contributions you make to your pension are deducted from your wages before tax.