The NMPA is the earliest age most people can start taking money from their personal and workplace pensions under tax rules, apart from in circumstances of ill health.
It’s currently age 55 but it will increase to 57 from 6 April 2028.
If you were an active member of the Scheme (meaning you were still paying into it) on 5 April 2006, you will retain your ability to take the Scheme benefits any time from age 50. This is because it’s recognised as a scheme-related ‘protected’ pension age under tax rules.
If you had defined contribution funds that were transferred to the Mercer Master Trust, you also currently have the ability to transfer those savings benefits back into the Scheme and take them alongside your Scheme benefits at any time from age 50.
If you had already left service or stopped paying into the scheme on 5 April 2006, then the earliest age you will be able to take your benefits from the Scheme is currently age 55 and will increase to 57 from 6 April 2028. In this case, there is no pre-existing right protected by the tax rules.