Human Resources

University of Sussex Pension and Assurance Scheme

Find out about the University of Sussex Pension and Assurance Scheme (USPAS) and who this pension is for.

USPAS Overview

The University of Sussex Pension & Assurance Scheme (USPAS) is a final salary pension scheme governed by the Scheme's Trust Deed and Rules. The scheme is closed to new members and is administered by the University's third-party pension administrator, the Howden Group.

The scheme's assets are held separately from the University's finances and are managed by the Scheme Trustees on behalf of members.

USPAS is closed to new members and therefore is not available as an option for new employees joining the University.

Access to USPAS online portal

USPAS members can access their pension information through ClarityHowden’s secure online pension portal.

Through the portal you can:

  • View your pension details
  • Update your personal information
  • Access pension documents
  • Manage your pension records online


ClarityHowden’s:  https://account.clarityhowden.com/.

If you have not yet registered, please contact the Howden administration team -  SussexUni@howden-group.co.uk

Pension Contributions

Employees currently contribute 9% of their pensionable salary each year to the pension scheme, while the University contributes 14.8%.

These contribution rates are subject to change following future scheme valuations.

Group Life Assurance provided by the University of Sussex for USPAS & USPSS scheme members only

The University also provides all USPAS members, with Life assurance, which is a separate arrangement established under Trusts.

If you were to pass away during pensionable service your beneficiary(ies) would be entitled a lump sum payment equivalent to 3.5 times your Pensionable Earnings and a pension for a Qualifying Partner and/or Dependent Child, calculated based on the pension you would have received at retirement, using your Pensionable Earnings at the time of death. The current life assurance policy is provided by Metlife. 

Leaving the Pension Scheme

If you wish to leave the pension scheme, please email the Pensions team at Sussex at pensions@sussex.ac.uk, confirming the date you would like your membership to end.


FAQs & helpful information

 

Can I transfer other pension savings and benefits into the Scheme?

No, transferring pension savings or benefits from other schemes into the University of Sussex Pension & Assurance Scheme (USPAS) is not permitted. The scheme does not accept external transfers.

How is my pension calculated at retirement?

Your pension is based on:

  • Your Final Pensionable Earnings
  • Your Pensionable Service

For each year of pensionable service, you build up a pension of 1/60th of your Final Pensionable Earnings, subject to a maximum of 40 years' service.

You may also have the option to exchange part of your pension for a tax-free lump sum at retirement.

Can I retire early due to ill health?

If ill health means you can no longer continue working, you may be able to apply for ill health retirement through USPAS.

The Trustees will require medical evidence confirming that you are unable to carry out your role because of a physical or mental health condition.

If approved, your pension benefits may be enhanced through the addition of extra pensionable service.

What happens if I die after retirement?

A pension may be payable to your spouse, civil partner or eligible dependant.

This is typically equal to 50% of your pension entitlement, including any increases, before any retirement lump sum was taken.

If you die within five years of retirement, a lump sum payment may also be payable, subject to Trustee discretion.

What happens if I die whilst employed by the University?

The scheme may provide:

  • A lump sum death benefit
  • A pension for an eligible spouse, civil partner or dependant
  • Children's benefits where applicable


Any lump sum payment is awarded at the discretion of the Trustees.

Leaving the University

Once your contributions stop, your pension pot will remain invested. You can continue to access your pension information by contacting the third-party administrators, the Howden Group.

Please ensure that the third-party administrators, has your up-to-date contact details so they are able to contact you.

 

Forms & Documents

 

Expression of wish - Group Life Assurance form for USPAS and USPSS pension scheme members only

An Expression of Wish Form lets you tell the Trustees who you would like to receive any life assurance payment if you die.

Although the Trustees make the final decision, your nomination helps them understand your wishes.

You can request an Expression of Wish form, from the Pensions team – pensions@sussex.ac.uk and then please return the completed form to the Pensions Team where it will be kept securely.

We recommend reviewing and updating your nomination whenever your circumstances change.

Retirement Forms

When you decide to retire, you can request a retirement form from the pension third-party administrator, the Howden Group.

They will provide you with the relevant retirement paperwork. Completed forms should be returned directly to Howden for processing.

Important Scheme Documents

USPAS - Important Scheme Documents

 


Pension Workshops

The University supported by Affinity Connect also offers some helpful workshops on planning for retirement, these are available throughout the year. The workshop explores the change to lifestyle that come with retirement, income needs, the state pension inflation and USPAS. The workshop also covers other topics such as Inheritance tax and estate planning.

To find out more about the workshop visit the University online learning – Learn Upon, just click on this link - Online learning : Learning and Development : Schools and services : University of Sussex


Helpful Pension Links

Pension Geeks | Customer | Aegon

Extra help - Your Pension

Pensions and retirement | Help with pensions and retirement | MoneyHelper

Pension Wise: free pension guidance | MoneyHelper


Contacting the third-party administrators

The USPAS Scheme administrators, the Howden Group can be contacted by email, at SussexUni@howden-group.co.uk

or by telephone: 01242 538500

or by post:

USPAS Pension Administration, Howden Group

One Creechurch Place
London
EC3A 5AF