Can vesting period start before you make any contributions?

[MugsGame]

From another thread:

All withdrawals after 1st June 2002 are only required to have completed 2 years service as a member of the scheme in order to qualify for full preserved benefits. If you were in the scheme (not just an employee) for more than 2 years then you qualify.

If ou only left pensionable service 2 years you should be entitled to the value of the employer contributions, the rules in respect of at what stage you are entitled to the employer contributions when you leave service changed for people leaving pensionable service after 1 June 2002.

Can anyone clarify what is meant by "pensionable service"? Is there a Finance Bill or other legislation that describes it?

Does the two year vesting count-down start from the point you become a member of a scheme? Can you be a member of scheme for vesting purposes, without making any contributions?

Suppose you opt NOT to join the pension scheme, but the company (without your knowledge) ask the pension provider to add you anyway, so that you 'benefit' from death-in-service benefit. Surely you'd have to sign something to join the scheme in this way? If you are in this situation and never made any contributions, but are considering making them now -- when would the vesting count-down start?

 

[Guest126]

Pensionable service is defined by the scheme itself (not legislation) - it may be date of joining company or date of joining scheme (usually one or other)...it would usually not include service as a 'Life Insurance Only' Member as alluded to in your post.