When you take a leave from work, such as maternity, parental/adoption or general leave, you may have a gap in your service

Buying service for that period increases the amount of pensionable service that counts toward your pension. This may increase the amount of your monthly pension payment when you retire. Buying service can also add time to your total contributory service, which is used to determine when you are eligible for an unreduced pension.

Buying service helps you build your pension over the long term. Your pension is a valuable source of retirement income and secure for your lifetime. Deciding to buy service is an individual choice. You may want to seek advice from an independent financial planner.