Greater Gwent (Torfaen) Pension Fund
The Pension Fund is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme and administers the scheme employers in the Greater Gwent area.
Pension Awareness Week is a national event held every year within the pensions industry aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of pensions. This article highlights the online resources we have available on our website to improve your understanding of your pension.
We have links to Local Government Pension Scheme presentations providing a scheme overview and retirement planning details.
You will also find details of other organisations who can provide free support and guidance about your pension ranging from retirement planning to pension scam awareness.
Continue reading to find out more...
My Pension Online
Our secure online service designed to help you check and manage your pension account online. You can easily sign up using our secure registration process with a helpful registration video to help you through the process.
Click the image below to sign up today if you have not already done so.
Factsheets, Guides and Forms
You can access a range of factsheets, guides and forms to help your understanding of LGPS pension and benefits you receive on our website.
Click here to view our forms and publications section
Boosting your Pension
Additional Pension Contributions (APCs)
APCs allow members to buy guaranteed extra pension for their pension account. The extra pension is paid in the same way as the rest of the pension built up in the pension account.
Currently, the maximum amount of extra pension that can be bought is £7,352.
You can find out more about APCs as well as an APC calculate to work out the cost of buying extra pension on our increase your pension page
Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
AVCs are separate pot from a members’ LGPS pension account that they can pay contribution into.
Members can choose how much to pay in and how the contributions are invested. The money will come straight out of your salary and if you are a taxpayer, you receive tax relief on the contributions which lowers the cost.
The AVC provider will invest the money for you.
When you retire in the future, you can use your AVCs to take a tax-free lump sum from the fund or you can buy an annuity. You can find out more about AVCs on our Increase your pension page
50/50 Section
The 50/50 section of the LGPS has been designed to help members stay in the scheme and continue building up valuable pension benefits instead of leaving the scheme altogether.
You still receive the same life cover and ill health protections but pay half your normal contribution rate to build up half the normal pension.
This gives you reassurance that even when times are financially tough, you can still save for your retirement.
After you have joined the 50/50 section you can move back to the main section at any time. There are also occasions when your employer must move you back into the main section such as during:-
• Auto-Enrolment
• Sickness when your pay drops to zero
• Maternity or adoption leave when you pay drops to zero
You can find out more about the LGPS 50/50 section in our 50/50 section factsheet or you can download the 50/50 section joining form here
Survivor Benefits and Nominations
Members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) get valuable life cover and financial protection for their family. There are two different benefits we could pay if you die a survivor’s pensions and a death grant lump sum.
For more information about these benefits visit our Survivor Benefits page.
The Greater Gwent (Torfaen) Pension Fund decides who to pay your death grant to, but we always try to follow your wishes and pay it to whoever you have nominated. Keeping your nomination details up to date is really important.
You can check or change your death grant nomination on your My Pension Online account.
You can also fill in an expression of wish for death grant form to update your death grant nomination. You can download the form on our website here
Pension Awareness - About the LGPS
You learn more about what the LGPS is, how it works, the benefits you receive and why it is a sensible choice to be a member in the LGPS scheme overview presentation
Click the button below to watch.
Opens in new window Pension Awareness About The LGPS
National Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Website
The website is a national LGPS member website which provides you with a range of scheme information and resources to better understand the scheme.
Click the button to visit
Opens in new window LGPS National Member Website
Pension Awareness - LGPS Retirement Planning
If your approaching retirement age or just want to find out more about retirement planning and the LGPS. Why not watch the LGPS Retirement Planning Presentation.
Click the button below to watch.
Opens in new window LGPS Retirement Planning 2025MoneyHelper
MoneyHelper is a free, government-backed service designed to make your money and pension choices clearer and easier. MoneyHelper aims to offer a single, accessible point of reference for all things related to personal money management—ensuring everyone in the UK, no matter their background or financial situation, can access trustworthy guidance.
Key Services
MoneyHelper offers a comprehensive range of resources and tools, developed to cater to the financial needs of everyone. Its services fall broadly into the following areas:
1. Money Guidance and Information
2. Debt Advice and Management
3. Pensions and Retirement Planning
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Clear explanations of the different types of pensions—workplace, personal, and the State Pension.
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Guidance on how to track down lost pensions and combine multiple pots.
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Tools to help you forecast your retirement income and understand your options as you approach retirement age.
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Access to free Pension Wise appointments for those aged 50 or over with a defined contribution pension, providing one-to-one support about accessing pension savings.
4. Tools and Calculators
5. Support for Life’s Key Moments
Who can Use MoneyHelper?
MoneyHelper is for all. Whether you’re a student starting out, a family juggling bills, someone facing redundancy, or an older person planning your retirement, you’ll find resources tailored to your needs.
How to Access MoneyHelper
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Website: Their website offers instant access to guides, calculators, and tools. Click here or the button below the MoneyHelper logo.
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Phone: You can call them for free advice on money or pensions.
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Webchat: Live online chat connects you to advisers for quick questions.
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Face-to-Face: In some cases, they may help signpost to local face-to-face support, especially for pensions or debt concerns.
MoneyHelper Website
The website is a national LGPS member website which provides you with a range of scheme information and resources to better understand the scheme.
Click the button to visit
Opens in new window MoneyHelperScamSmart
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) trusted resource
What is ScamSmart?
ScamSmart has been developed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, designed to help consumers protect themselves from investment and pension scams. As financial scams become increasingly sophisticated, ScamSmart serves as a trusted resource, giving you the knowledge and tools needed to spot and avoid fraudulent schemes.
Key Services
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Warning List: Maintaining a regularly updated list of firms and individuals known to be operating without authorisation or suspected of running scams. You can check this list before making any financial commitments.
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Interactive Tools: Tools and quizzes to help users assess whether they might be at risk and how to spot the signs of a scam.
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Advice and Guidance: Clear information on how common scams work, red flags to watch out for, and instructions on what to do if you think you have been targeted.
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Reporting Suspicious Activity: Report suspected scams directly to the FCA, helping to protect others and support ongoing investigations.
How to Access ScamSmart
ScamSmart resources are available online through the FCA’s website. You can search for investment or pension opportunities to check if they’re legitimate, read real scam stories to learn from others’ experiences, and find contact details for further support if needed.
Click here to visit their website.
Who should use ScamSmart?
Anyone considering investing money or making changes to their pension should use ScamSmart. It’s especially useful if you are or have been approached unexpectedly with investment opportunities, or those unsure about the authenticity of a company or adviser.
Why is ScamSmart Important?
Financial scams can cause major losses, both financially and emotionally. ScamSmart helps to protect savers by increasing awareness, encouraging vigilance, and providing a central resource for checking the legitimacy of financial offers. Using ScamSmart can make the difference between making a safe decision and becoming a victim of fraud.
ScamSmart Leaflet
