Pensions
Employees of the University get access to a generous occupational pension.
Whichever scheme you’re a member of, it will provide you with valuable benefits on retirement as well as life assurance benefits and protection for your family.
Most employees are eligible to join either USS or RBP which cover different groups of staff. Your contract letter will confirm which pension you are eligible to join. New employees, unless they elect not to join, are automatically entered into the relevant scheme.
About your Pension
For information including joining the scheme, retirement benefits, additional voluntary contributions and general pension information, click on the link for your scheme.
- USS - Academic and academic-related and support staff in grades 6 to 9 can join the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
- RBP - Support staff in grades 1 to 5 can join the Retirement Benefits Plan of the Queen’s University of Belfast.
- NHS - Clinical Research Fellows on short term contracts who are already in the NHS Scheme may be eligible to remain members for the duration of their short term contract.
Pensions+ was introduced by the University in April 2008 for USS/RBP as a mechanism for saving National Insurance contributions for both staff and the University. Information on Pensions+ can be found here.
If you can’t find the information you’re looking for here, contact the Pension’s office. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you understand your pension arrangements.

