If you are an active member of the FPS 2006 and will not be able to build up 40 years' pensionable service by normal retirement age (60), you can choose to buy extra years of service by paying either additional contributions or a one-off lump sum - subject to certain conditions.
The extra years would count in working out your own pension and for working out pensions for surviving partners and any eligible children. If you retire due to ill-health, the extra service would not count towards any higher tier award payable.
The cost will depend on your age at the birthday following your election to make the payments, and how many extra years you want to buy. The Scheme Actuary provides factors which the FRA use to work out the cost. Your FRA's pension administrator can give you a quote and further details if you are interested in this option.
An election to pay additional contributions must be made at least 2 years before normal retirement age and you must not be due to retire (for example, on health grounds) in the immediate future. The additional contributions would be deducted with effect from your next birthday following your election, along with your basic contributions and continue until normal retirement age.
If you leave or stop paying contributions for any other reason before reaching age 60, you would be credited with the portion of service bought to date.
If you choose to pay by lump sum you must make your election to do so within 12 months of the date you last became a firefighter, and the payment must be made within 3 months of the date on which you gave notice that you wished to pay.