Contracted Out Pensions Help-Line

Who we are and what we do

The Contracted Out Pensions Help-Line is one of several inbound help-lines within Longbenton Contact Centre, part of the HMRC Contact Centre business stream. We answer queries from pensions providers, scheme administrators, members of the public, authorised third parties and Department of Work and Pensions offices with regards to contracting out of the State Second Pension (formerly State Earnings Related Pensions). Our hours of business are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.

Information we can provide

  • Contracted out status of an individual
  • Details of payments made to Personal Pension plans i.e. dates and amounts of payments of Age Related Rebates
  • Start and End dates of policies / scheme membership
  • Periods of contracted out liability
  • Dates / confirmation of transfers between schemes
  • General advice with regards to contracted out enquiries / procedures
  • Confirmation of contracted out earnings to occupational pension schemes

Information we cannot provide

  • Confirmation or disclosure of personal details such as
    • National Insurance Numbers
    • Names
    • Addresses
    • Dates of Birth / Dates of Death
    • Employment details such as whether individuals are employed
    • Trade details such as whether individuals are self employed
  • Advice on whether and individual should contract in or remain contracted out
  • Information regarding other pension providers where there is no link to yourselves
  • GMP / COD figures


When contacting our help-line to check details of a policy holder or client there is a maximum of 3 cases which can be checked in a single call by an advisor. This is to ensure that all customers receive the same standards of service and we do not create unnecessary difficulties in contacting the help-line.

To help identify policyholders we require their full name to be given rather than surname and / or initial, this will minimise the chances of giving incorrect advice.

Should you encounter any problems with the service you receive or have any feedback or comments please contact Lynne Bainbridge on tel : 0845 9150150