Universities Superannuation Scheme

The scheme

If you join the University in a role that qualifies for Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) membership, you will automatically be entered into USS. 

To opt in or opt out of USS please visit the USS Opting In/Out page.

All members will contribute to the USS Retirement Income Builder section of the scheme, which provides benefits based on a formula using your salary for each year that you are a member. This is known as a defined benefit (DB) pension arrangement.

For members with a salary over a certain threshold (£40,000 in 2022-23), for the part of their salary which is over the threshold, 8% of the employee’s contribution and part of the University’s contribution are allocated to the USS Investment Builder, which is a defined contribution (DC) pension arrangement.

In addition to the above pension benefits, USS members can choose to save more into their pension pot by making additional contributions to the USS Investment Builder. If you decide to save more into your pension pot by making additional contributions to the USS Investment Builder, you must arrange this through the My USS portal on uss.co.uk. The related deadlines are listed on the USS Investment Builder Deadlines page. USS members are also covered by the scheme’s death in service and ill health benefits.