309 new MPs of 12th Parliament join Parliamentary Pension Scheme

Latest statistics from the Benefits Administration Department show that 309 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the 12th Parliament joined the Parliamentary Pension Scheme (PPS) as at June 30, 2026, while 213 MPs exited the scheme at the expiry of their legislative duties in the 11th Parliament.

In line with the Parliamentary Pensions Act Cap 273, a member who leaves service before attaining the age of 45 years or satisfying the qualifying period for retirement benefits, is entitled to a refund of his or her Scheme Credit. Similarly, a member who has completed the qualifying period but has not yet reached retirement age may elect to defer receipt of benefits until becoming eligible for retirement benefits.

The same law stipulates that upon retirement an eligible member may elect to receive up to one-third of the retirement benefit as a tax-free lump sum and use the remaining two-thirds to purchase a tax-free pension annuity payable for life. To this, 97 former legislators opted to become pensioners.

Established as a contributory hybrid cash balance retirement benefits plan, PPS provides pension and other retirement benefits to MPs and staff of the Parliamentary Commission on permanent and pensionable terms and relief of the dependents of the deceased participants.