Pension Calculator
Estimate your monthly contribution to the Firefighters' Pension Scheme (FPS 2015).
Contribution Rate
0%
Monthly Deduction
£0.00
Annual Deduction
£0.00
Based on FPS 2015 bands (England) for 2024/25. Does not account for tax relief at source (net cost will be lower).
How Much Will I Pay into my Fire Service Pension?
As a member of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2015 (FPS 2015), your contributions are calculated as a percentage of your pensionable pay. Unlike some private sector schemes where you might choose your rate, the FPS has set "tiered" contribution rates based on how much you earn.
Current Contribution Rates (England 2024/25)
The rate you pay depends on which salary band you fall into. For the 2015 scheme, these bands are:
- 11.0% for pensionable pay up to £32,136
- 12.9% for pensionable pay between £32,137 and £56,237
- 13.5% for pensionable pay over £56,237
Note: These bands apply to the 2015 scheme in England. Rates may differ slightly for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, or if you are a protected member of the 1992 or 2006 legacy schemes.
The Real Cost is Lower (Tax Relief)
It's important to remember that pension contributions are taken from your gross salary before tax is deducted. This means you receive full tax relief at your marginal rate (typically 20% or 40%).
For example, if you pay £400 a month into your pension, it only reduces your take-home pay by £320 (if you are a basic rate taxpayer), because you would have paid £80 tax on that money anyway.
Is the Firefighters' Pension Worth It?
The FPS 2015 is a Defined Benefit (CARE) scheme. This is generally considered the "gold standard" of pensions. Instead of building up a pot of money that relies on stock market performance (like a Defined Contribution scheme), you build up a guaranteed annual income for life based on your career average earnings.
Your employer (the Fire Authority) contributes a significant amount—often over 28% of your salary—to fund these benefits. Opting out means turning down this "free money" and the security of a guaranteed income in retirement.