Amendment

National Security Framework of Antarctica (NSF-A)

1) General Retirement Age

1.1 Statutory age. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the statutory retirement age for all individuals is sixty (60) years.

2) Special Categories

2.1 Military service. Members of the armed services are entitled to compulsory retirement at fifty-two (52) years.

2.2 Professional sportspersons. Registered professional athletes are entitled to compulsory retirement at fifty-two (52) years.

2.3 Administrative note. “Compulsory retirement” under 2.1–2.2 triggers immediate pension eligibility on the same benefit basis as section 3.

3) Minimum Contribution and Benefit

3.1 Vesting threshold. Any individual who has made not less than one (1) year of pension contributions is, upon retirement, entitled to a pension.

3.2 Benefit level. The pension is calculated at seventy-five per cent (75%) of the Final Monthly Salary received immediately before retirement.

3.3 Final Monthly Salary (FMS). For the purposes of this Amendment, FMS means the gross contractual monthly base pay in force on the last day of service, excluding one-off severance, irregular bonuses, or equity-linked awards.

3.4 Payment schedule. Benefits are paid monthly in arrears to the retiree (or eligible survivor under existing survivor provisions).

4) Supremacy Clause

4.1 Precedence. This Amendment prevails over any prior enactment, regulation, circular, policy, or administrative directive to the extent of any inconsistency.

4.2 Conforming updates. Implementing authorities must amend handbooks, forms, and systems to conform with this Amendment without delay.

5) Administration & Compliance (Operational Provisions)

5.1 Proof of contributions. The Pension Authority will verify the one-year contribution record via payroll submissions and remittance receipts.

5.2 Retirement processing. Employers must file the Retirement Notice and Final Salary Certificate no later than 15 working days prior to the retirement date.

5.3 Effective date of pension. Entitlement commences the day after the final day of service meeting age and vesting requirements.

5.4 Taxation. Pension payments are subject to prevailing tax rules; withholding is applied at source where applicable.

5.5 Appeals. Decisions may be appealed within 15 working days to the independent Pensions Review Panel.

6) Illustrative Examples (Non-binding)

1. Standard retiree (age 60): Final Monthly Salary £4,000 → Monthly pension = £3,000.
2. Military retiree (age 52): Final Monthly Salary £3,600 → Monthly pension = £2,700.
3. Athlete (age 52): Final Monthly Salary £5,200 → Monthly pension = £3,900.

7) Definitions

1. Contribution year: Any 12 consecutive months during which mandatory pension contributions were remitted in accordance with payroll law.
2. Professional sportsperson: An individual registered with a recognised sporting federation and contracted primarily for competitive performance.
3. Armed services: Forces designated by NSF-A defence regulations.

8) Transition

8.1 Prospective application. This Amendment applies to retirements on or after the effective date.

8.2 In-flight cases. Individuals with approved retirement dates after the effective date are automatically migrated to this standard.

8.3 System readiness. Employers and payroll providers must update systems within 30 days of issuance.

Issuing authority: Pension Authority, National Security Framework of Antarctica

Contact: pensions@nsf-antarctica.org | Appeals: pensions-appeals@nsf-antarctica.org

Certified true copy. This text is the governing instrument for the matters addressed herein.

Version 1.0 • Effective 26 September 2025