Frequently Asked Questions

The Star Group Pension scheme will contact its DC and active duel members regarding their personal pension arrangements annually in the form of a Benefits Statement. The Pension Scheme Administrators or the board of Trustees may also send further communications throughout the year regarding any changes or updates within the scheme. Communications will usually be sent via post. Further updates regarding the scheme may also be detailed on this website. 

The Company has chosen ‘The Peoples Pension Scheme’ as their Auto – Enrolment provider. Their scheme is backed by B&CE who are experienced providers of workplace pensions in the UK. We share relevant information with The People’s Pension Scheme so that they can administer the scheme. 

You can get more information about The People’s Pension at: http:/www.thepeoplespension.co.uk/employees or Tel: 0300 2000444 

To update your personal details with the pension scheme please email pensioners@claverleygroup.co.uk or call 01902 319247/48. Alternatively, you can post your details to; The Star Group Pensions Scheme, Pensions Department, 51-53 Queen Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1ES. 

The state pension age is the earliest age you can start receiving your state pension. The state pension age may vary dependant on your date of birth. The government have provided an online tool to calculate your state pension age, details of which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-age 

In order to fully plan for the future, many people might find it useful to get a forecast of what they are likely to get as their state pension. The amount of state pension you are entitled to is based on the contributions you have made during your working life.  

The contribution requirement changed with effect from April 2010 so that everyone will need 30 years of contributions to qualify for the full state pension. 

Those approaching retirement can obtain a retirement pension forecast by completing a form BR19. This form is available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-state-pension-statement 

Whether or not you have obtained a pension forecast you should contact The Pension Service about 4 months before you reach state pension age to confirm your address and contact details.  

It is possible to defer taking your state pension for as long as you wish up to age 70 and the government has introduced an incentive to encourage this. If you defer, you can choose between either an additional pension of around 10 per cent for each full year you do not claim, or a one off taxable lump sum equal to the pension you have not received plus interest of 2 per cent above the base rate. 

You will receive the lump sum when you start taking your pension. For more information go to www.fsa.gov.uk or www.thepensionservice.gov.uk 

You can also get information from the Pensions Advisory Service on 0300 123 047 

To receive free, impartial guidance from the government regarding your pension arrangements, go to www.pensionwise.gov.uk 

Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA) is the earliest age from which a pension scheme member can draw their retirement benefits in good health. 

As a result of legislation introduced under the Finance Act 2022 the normal minimum pension age is rising from age 55 to age 57 on 6 April 2028. This will affect anyone born in 1973 onwards. 

We will be communicating to those members affected in due course as further government legislation is provided on the matter.