Bangor University Pension and Assurance Scheme (BUPAS)

The Scheme provides pensions and death benefits for members. It is run by 8 trustees, 4 appointed by the University, and 4 elected by the members. The trustees look after the money in the Scheme, and make sure that the members receive the benefits they are entitled to.

* a pension for you when you retire
* a cash sum (tax free) when you retire

Protection for your family if you die after retirement -

• a pension for your widow or widower
• a pension for your dependant children
• a cash sum (depending on how much pension and lump sum you received before you died)

Protection for your family if you die before retirement -

• a pension for your widow or widower
• a pension for your dependant children
• a cash sum for your nominated beneficiary

* pensions to you and your husband or wife are paid for life
* Scheme pensions increase in line with inflation each year (up to 2.5% for service after 1st January 2017)
* you may be able to retire early, before age 65

There are more details about benefits in the Scheme Booklet. These are your guaranteed benefits.

The Scheme is open to all support staff who are aged over 18, and under 60. You can join the Scheme on the day you start working for the University if you fulfil the above conditions.

Yes, the Scheme is open to both full-time and part-time employees.

If you leave the University (or leave the Scheme while still working for the University), you do not lose your benefits. If you have been in the Scheme for less than 2 years, you may receive a refund of your contributions.  (A deduction will be made for income tax).

Please note that if you take part in BANGOR BENEFITS, the salary exchange scheme for pensions, you will not be able to have a refund of your contributions.

If you have been in the scheme for more than 2 years, your pension will be preserved until you reach age 65, and it will be increased to keep pace with inflation until then. You may also be able to transfer your benefits to a new employer's scheme, or to a suitable insurance policy.

You pay 9.25% of your pay (this means your basic rate of pay, excluding casual overtime, from time to time). You actually pay less than this, because you do not pay tax on your contributions. The University pays the balance of the cost of providing your benefits, which amounts to a lot more than your contributions - so it really does make sense to take advantage of this by joining the Scheme.

Yes. You can make extra voluntary contributions to the Prudential, which also receive full tax relief

If you are a new employee, you will find a scheme booklet and an application form with your contract.  If you are already working here, contact the Pensions Manager or send an e-mail to pensions@bangor.ac.uk

You may not be able to - and you may be asked to provide medical evidence of your good health if you are allowed to join later. If you join now, you do not normally have to provide any medical evidence.