Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we introduced a temporary relaxation of normal working processes in April 2020. With lockdown coming to an end, the Scheme Manager is now instructing all normal working arrangements to resume in relation to:
To note:
In line with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, which is currently expected to be 19 July 2021.
As communicated in EPN 602 - April 2020 a number of temporary changes were made to administration processes, during the pandemic, relating to how we could accept documents, certificates and wet signatures from members and claimants via email and scanned images.
As the government are working towards lifting all COVID-19 restrictions, the Scheme Manager has instructed that all practices will revert to pre-COVID-19 processes. For example, when the restrictions end, we will require original supporting documents such as Marriage or Birth certificates via the post.
When COVID-19 restrictions end, we will be unable to process supporting documents sent via email.
Members/employers must send via the post, such documents in line with the instructions provided on the form they are completing.
In addition to the above changes, we will also require members or claimants to:
Any cases that were sent electronically prior to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and returned or received electronically by MyCSP after restrictions are lifted will still be processed.
During the easements, we made editable versions of some of the most frequently used forms available on the scheme website. When COVID-19 restrictions end, members and claimants will still be able to complete these forms digitally, however, the forms must be returned to us in paper format with a wet signature and witness signature where relevant.
Should a member be unable to print a form, please advise them to contact the Scheme Administrator who will post one out.
Where a member wants to update their Death Benefit Nominee, members should be encouraged to utilise the Pension Portal.
Paper versions of the above forms, issued to members by post, will no longer include a message advising of the relaxation of requirements.
We will also remove the messages explaining the changes to processes on the following pages of the scheme website:
During the pandemic, some employers faced challenges when providing the Scheme Administrator with responses to DR1s - particularly where information was required from manual records.
With COVID-19 restrictions ending, we will be reverting the DR1 back to the pre-pandemic process.
The CSP16 form for Partial Retirements is issued to you to confirm that you have taken the necessary actions with your payroll to reduce the member's earnings/working pattern.
From the date COVID-19 restrictions end, the CSP16 will need to be printed, signed and returned to the Scheme Administrator.
If you have any questions on the ending of easements please contact cspsemployerenquiries@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
If you have a question about the distribution of EPNs, or would like to receive them in a different format, please contact EPN@MyCSP.co.uk.
You can find electronic copies of the Employer Pension Guide, all current EPNs and forms in the Employer section of the Civil Service Pensions website.
This notice is for employers and should not be issued to scheme members.
Members can find information about their pension by visiting the member's section.