How different absences affect a member’s LGPS pension

Key

  • APP = Assumed Pensionable Pay. The member’s pension builds up as if they were getting their normal pay.
  • APC lost = Pension isn’t built up for that period unless the member chooses to buy it back.
  • QAPA = Qualifying additional pension arrangement. The member can choose to buy back pension lost during authorised unpaid leave that starts on or after 1 April 2026.
Type of absence Before April 2026 From April 2026
Reduced pay sick leave APP APP
Unpaid sick leave APP APP
Ordinary maternity or adoption leave APP APP
Paid additional maternity or adoption leave, paid shared parental leave, or paid or unpaid paternity leave APP APP (includes bereaved partner’s paternity leave of up to 52 weeks from 6 April 2026)
Unpaid additional maternity or adoption leave APC lost APP
Unpaid shared parental leave APC lost APP
Paid neonatal care leave and paid parental bereavement leave APP APP
Unpaid neonatal care leave and unpaid parental bereavement leave (up to 14 days) APC lost The member must pay the missed contributions
Unpaid neonatal care leave and unpaid parental bereavement leave (15 days or more) APC lost QAPA
Authorised unpaid leave (up to 14 days) APC lost The member must pay the missed contributions
Authorised unpaid leave (15 days or more) APC lost QAPA
Unauthorised unpaid leave The member can’t buy back the lost pension The member can’t buy back the lost pension
Strike action APC lost APC lost
Paid jury service Based on their pay Based on their pay
Unpaid jury service (up to 14 days) APC lost The member must pay the missed contributions
Unpaid jury service (15 days or more) APC lost QAPA
Reserve forces leave APP APP
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What to do if a member goes on any other type of leave

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