The NEST pension is a government-run scheme where candidates are auto-enrolled after a 3-month employment deferment. It serves as an alternative for those ineligible for the NHS pension, fulfilling the legal requirement for workplace auto-enrolment pensions.
Eligibility is based on the Pension Questionnaire answers. Candidates receive a NEST welcome pack within 7 days of their first payment being reported to NEST.
Anyone aged 22 to State Pension age earning over £192 weekly is auto-enrolled. Those earning less or outside this age but under 75 can join NEST by written request but won’t be auto-enrolled.
Opting out, opting in, and refunds
Candidates can opt out with NEST within 34 days of enrolment but not during the deferment period. Opting out is done online via their NEST account, via phone (0300 020 0090), or by post (request a form by phone).
Opting out within 34 days allows a refund. NEST notifies Liaison, who processes the refund in the next payroll. Refunds are not possible outside of this window.
Candidates can opt in before auto-enrolment by emailing Support@liaisongroup.com or submitting a request here.
Re-joining after opting out is limited to once every 12 months and requires the NHS organisation’s approval, which must contact Liaison to reinstate the candidate.