Comparison · NHS Pension · 2026
NHS Pension 1995/2008 Section vs 2015 Scheme UK 2026: McCloud Remedy Choice Explained
NHS staff with service spanning both the legacy 1995/2008 Section and the 2015 career average Scheme now face a specific, one-off decision under the McCloud remedy: which set of rules applies to their service between April 2015 and March 2022. This guide compares how the two structures calculate benefits and what the remedy choice means in practice for 2026.
TL;DR - 30-Second Summary
- - 1995 Section: final salary, NPA 60, 1/80th accrual, automatic 3x lump sum
- - 2008 Section: final salary, NPA 65, 1/60th accrual, no automatic lump sum
- - 2015 Scheme: career average (CARE), NPA linked to State Pension age, no automatic lump sum
- - McCloud remedy lets eligible members choose legacy or 2015 rules for service between April 2015 and March 2022
- - All active members accrue only in the 2015 Scheme from April 2022 onward
Side by Side
| Feature | 1995 Section | 2008 Section | 2015 Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit basis | Final salary | Final salary | Career average (CARE) |
| Accrual rate | 1/80th per year | 1/60th per year | 1/54th of pensionable pay each year, revalued |
| Normal Pension Age | 60 | 65 | State Pension age (min. 65) |
| Automatic lump sum | Yes — 3x pension | No | No |
| Best suited to | Rising final salary, early retirement | Mid-career high earners | Flatter career pay progression |
| Status today | Closed to new accrual since April 2022; relevant via McCloud remedy choice | Only scheme for current accrual | |
The McCloud Remedy Deferred Choice
If you were an active NHS Pension Scheme member before April 2015 and had service during the remedy period (1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022), that period was initially recorded under the 2015 Scheme. The Deferred Choice Underpin now lets you choose — at the point you take your pension — whether that specific window of service should instead be calculated under your legacy 1995 or 2008 Section rules if that produces a better outcome.
NHS Pensions calculates both figures for you and applies whichever is higher; you do not need to gamble on the choice yourself. Members who were affected by the remedy but already retired, transferred out, or died during the remedy period are being contacted separately as part of the wider remediation exercise, which may result in a recalculation and back payment.
Verdict
You do not need to choose between the 1995/2008 Section and the 2015 Scheme for future service — everyone accrues in the 2015 Scheme from April 2022. The only live decision is the McCloud remedy choice for the 2015-2022 window, and NHS Pensions will show you both outcomes so you can pick the better one. If you are approaching retirement, request an Annual Benefit Statement and a retirement estimate from NHS Pensions well in advance, as processing the remedy calculation can take time.