Additional Pension Contributions (APC)

Summary

APCs are a way of topping up your pension directly with us. You pay in a set amount, and that tops up your pension by a set amount.

There is a maximum amount you can boost your pension by. For the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 this is £8,344, but will change each year. So there's quite a lot of scope.

How can I pay APCs?

You can pay APCs into two ways: a lump sum paid directly to Staffordshire Pension Fund; or an an ongoing regular deduction to your pay for a period of 12 months or more.

How much does it cost?

You can use the online calculator 'Buy Extra Pension' available on the National LGPS member website to show how much it would cost you to buy more pension. You can make this assessment either showing how much you want to pay in or by checking the cost to receive a certain level of pension.

You can also apply through that site either as an online form with a electronic signature or by printing and completing the application form by hand.  This form should then be forwarded directly to Staffordshire Pension Fund.

If you choose to pay APCs over an extended period of time (more than 12 months), you are required to provide a medical report at your own expense to Staffordshire Pension Fund before your APC contract can start.

You should download, print and complete page 1 of the form below and then arrange for your GP to complete page 2.

Once you have completed the application form and, if required, medical clearance form, you should forward the forms and a copy of your quotation from the APC calculator to Staffordshire Pension Fund. 

You can send these documents to us by post:

  • Address: Pension Services, 1 Staffordshire Place, Stafford, ST16 2DH

Alternatively, if you wish to submit the completed forms electronically, please send them as an email attachment to us:

If you want to pay an APC by a lump sum, do not send money at this stage: we will send out a separate invoice to you on receipt of the application forms.

If you want to pay by a regular deduction from your pay, we will arrange with your employer to start taking the extra contributions.