Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Your Pension Service Extract

Your complete service history is the key to an accurate pension check. Here’s how to request it from the main public sector schemes.

Last updated: March 2026 • 8 minute read

1. Why You Need This Document

To perform a thorough check of your pension, you need your complete service history, often called a "service extract," "service record," or detailed "pension statement". This document contains all the information about your employment, salary, contributions, and any breaks in service.

What it Contains:

  • • All employment start and end dates
  • • Salary history and pensionable pay
  • • Part-time working percentages for each period
  • • Details of any career breaks (maternity, sick leave, etc.)
  • • Any service transferred in from other schemes

2. NHS Pension Scheme

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1. Log in to NHS Pensions Online: Access your account at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions. You may need your Government Gateway ID.
  2. 2. Navigate to "My Service Record": Look for the section that details your employment history.
  3. 3. Request a Complete Service Extract: There should be an option to request a full downloadable history. Ensure it includes all employments, transfers, and breaks.
  4. 4. Download the PDF: The report can take 5-10 working days to be generated. Once available, download the complete PDF file.
  5. 5. Alternative: If you cannot access the portal, you can call NHSBSA on 0300 123 1849.

3. Teachers' Pension Scheme

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1. Access My Pension Online (MPO): Log in to your account at teacherspensions.co.uk using your Teacher Reference Number (TRN).
  2. 2. Go to "My Service": Find the section detailing your service history.
  3. 3. Request Detailed Service History: Request a complete record, making sure to include any supply work, part-time periods, and career breaks.
  4. 4. Download the Record: This may take up to 10 working days to become available. Download the full PDF.
  5. 5. Alternative: Call Teachers' Pensions on 0345 606 6166 for assistance.

4. Police Pension Schemes

Police pensions are administered locally by each force, so there is no central portal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1. Contact Your Force's HR/Pensions Team: You need to make a direct request to the pensions or HR department of your current or most recent police force.
  2. 2. Be Specific: Request a complete service history covering all schemes you've been a part of (e.g., 1987, 2006, 2015). Ask for details on special duties pay, allowances, and any force transfers.
  3. 3. Mention McCloud: Specifically ask for your McCloud Remedy eligible service periods to be included.
  4. 4. Involve Your Staff Association: If you have difficulty, contact your local Police Federation or other staff association representative for support.

5. Civil Service Pension

Administration is currently handled by Capita, and response times can be slow.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1. Log in to the Civil Service Pension Portal: Access your account via the official portal.
  2. 2. Request Your Annual Benefit Statement: This is often the most comprehensive document available. Ensure you get the most recent version.
  3. 3. Contact Capita Directly: If the portal does not provide enough detail, you will need to contact Capita to request a full service history. Be prepared for potential delays.

6. Key Information to Check

When you receive your document, check for:

  • • All start and end dates for every period of employment
  • • Salary history for each year
  • • Pension contributions made
  • • Correct part-time working percentages
  • • Accurate records of any career breaks
  • • Details of any transferred-in service

Got Your Service History?

Once you have your service extract, you're ready to check your pension for errors.