How is the payment history file reported for opt-outs in civil service pensions for the UK?

The values reported on an opt-out’s Payment History file are dependent on when they opted out, relative to scheme enrolment, and whether their pension contributions are refundable.

The Payment History file contains pensionable earnings (Alpha members only) and contributions (Partnership and Alpha) on a cumulative year-to-date balance basis. The figures in this file will therefore increase on a monthly basis for enrolled members with earnings, but not for members who have opted out of or left the scheme.

Premise	Result
Opt-out is 3 months or less after enrolment and Refund Due = Y	The final Payment History reports values as zeroes.
Opt-out is 3 months or less after enrolment and Refund Due = N	The final Payment History reports values as YTD values.
Opt-out period ended. Member left scheme after 3 months and Refund Due = Y or N	The final Payment History reports values as YTD values.

Note:

• The Refund Due indicator is on the Pensions Automatic Enrolment card.
• Refunds must be processed manually.
• In the highly unlikely event that a refund is due to a scheme leaver after 3 months, the user must process the refund and manually update the Payment History file.

If the Refund Due indicator is changed from the original value when the opt-out/left scheme date was entered, and the PAE process has been run, the Benefits and Pensions card has already been end-dated based on the original PAE process, and pension calculations have ceased. Updating the PAE details will not change the Benefits and Pensions calculation card details. The following table shows you how to handle the Payment History file for incorrectly recorded refunds.

Scenario	Refund Status	Result
Refund wasn’t due and flag was set to Yes	Paid	Civil Service Pensions needs to be informed manually after the overpayment has been resolved.
Refund wasn’t due and flag was set to Yes	Not Paid	Civil Service Pensions payment history can be updated manually before it’s sent.
Refund was due and flag was set to No	Paid	Civil Service Pensions needs to be informed manually after the refund has been given.
Refund was due and flag was set to No	Not Paid	Civil Service Pensions payment history can be updated manually before it’s sent.