The latest update from the Civil Service Pensions Taskforce (12 March 2026) highlights continued progress in addressing the service issues affecting members, although some delays remain.
You can read the update in full or we’ve a short summary of the key points below.
While the number of our members experiencing delays is thankfully reducing, we are still working many who are impacted by the backlog following last year’s transition. Which is why we continue to hold weekly update meetings with the Cabinet Office where we discuss progress, raise concerns and highlight outstanding cases.
Progress on Priority Cases
All death-in-service cases were completed by 28 February 2026, and ill-health retirement cases by 6 March 2026. These, along with cases involving bereavement and financial hardship, continue to be prioritised and fast-tracked.
Retirement Payments
Of 8,063 outstanding retirement cases, 6,078 lump sums had been paid by 8 March 2026. Work is ongoing to bring the remaining pension payments into payment.
Improved Contact Centre Performance
Call handling has improved significantly, with 99% of calls answered on some days and average wait times now under four minutes, although performance has not yet reached target levels.
Pension Quotations and Delays
There are currently over 20,000 pension quotations in progress. Requests are being prioritised based on planned retirement date rather than submission date, and it is expected to take a further 3 to 4 months to clear the backlog.
Members who requested a quotation before 1 December 2025 will be contacted by 10 April 2026 and should respond promptly to avoid their case being closed.
Impact on Retirement
Delays to quotations may affect retirement timelines. Where payments are delayed, lump sums are expected within 10 days of paperwork being received, with pensions paid a month later. Any payments due will be backdated to the original retirement date.
Looking Ahead
Service levels are expected to return to normal by the end of June 2026. Planned portal improvements by the end of March will also introduce features such as case tracking and retirement planning tools.
