There are two different ways to leave a pension scheme. Which one you can use will depend on how long you've been a member:
Less than one month (Opt out) – if you're automatically enrolled by your employer but you don't want to be a part of the scheme, you can opt out of membership. This is the opt out window. You'll receive a refund for any contributions you've made.
To opt out, scroll down to Section A below.
More than one month (Cease membership) – if you've been a member of the scheme for more than one month, but want to stop making contributions, you need to cease membership. Your contributions and your employer's contributions will stay invested, you will not get a refund.
To cease membership, scroll down to Section B below.
Important information: Before opting out or ceasing membership you must read this section carefully
Leaving your pension scheme is a big decision and could have a significant impact on your financial future. You will then not receive pension contributions from your employer, which means you will miss out on free money for your retirement.
If you leave your pension scheme be aware that there are specific rules on re-joining so please think carefully.
This video explains why your pension is important
Other reasons to stay with Smart Pension
Smart Rewards discounts – You get free access to over 1,400 discounts, helping you save up to £600* a year at major retailers, including Amazon and Tesco.
Smart Pension app – You can use the mobile app to stay on top of your retirement plans and manage your pension savings whenever and wherever you like.
Financial wellbeing hub – Our hub is full of money saving tips, tools and techniques, giving meaningful financial support about all your finances, not just your pension.
Sustainable commitment – We offer a Fossil Fuel Free fund and are leading the race to net zero by 2040, so you can make sure your money helps the world around us.
Varied investment options–You don’t have to use one of our pre-built investment strategies – you can choose your own investments from our selection instead.
Easy transfers in – Our easy online tool can bring all of your other pensions together in just a few clicks – we do all of the hard work for you.
Section A
How to opt out
Sign in and select the Stop paying in button at the bottom of the page.
You will be taken to the “Stop paying in to this pension” page, from here click on the Opt out of this pension scheme button.
You should read the information on the next page carefully, and if you still want to opt out of this pension scheme, tick the boxes which confirm you are the scheme member and have understood the consequences and click on Opt out.
A final warning pop up will appear. Type "I wish to opt out" in the box, to confirm.
Then, click the red Opt out button.
Section B
How to cease membership
Sign in and select the Stop paying in button at the bottom of the page.
You will be taken to the “Stop paying in to this pension” page, from here click on the Cease membership of this pension scheme button. If you are in the opt out window, as mentioned above, the steps will be the same but it will refer to opting out rather than ceasing membership.
You should read the information on the next page carefully, and if you still want to cease membership, tick the boxes which confirm you are the scheme member and have understood the consequences and click on Cease membership.
A final warning pop up will appear. Type "I wish to cease membership" in the box, to confirm. Then, click the red Cease membership button.