Is it easier if I claim my pension while I am still working or can I claim it after I have left the NHS? The NHS pension scheme is a defined benefit scheme – often known as a gold-plated scheme because of how generous they are. This type of pension promises to pay you a pension income and possibly a tax-free lump sum from your retirement age – the “normal pension age”. You may be able to retire and take your full pension and then return to work after a short break, re-joining the NHS pension scheme to keep building up your future pension benefits. Again, you can leave it until your normal pension age, or you could apply for early payment with a reduction.