Registration is a straightforward process that involves a number of safeguards designed to protect your privacy- much like the process you would go through to open a bank account. The following instructions will guide you through what you need to know.
Stage one - apply for and receive a Scheme Administrator ID/ Practitioners ID (if you don't already have one)
Stage two - (complete registration) - register and enrol to use the Pension Schemes Online service.
Contents:
If you are registered to use another HMRC 'Organisation' online service you can register for Pension Schemes Online using your existing User ID and Password. This is a very quick and easy process as follows:
If you entered an Activation Token then enrolment will be confirmed on screen and you can start to use the service immediately by selecting the 'begin using the service' link.
See After Registration if you didn't enter an Activation Token.
Select 'Register' under 'New Users'. Select 'Pensions' under the 'New User' list and from the following page choose the type of user you wish to register as, either Pension Schemes Online for Scheme Administrator or Pensions Schemes Online for Practitioners.
You will be presented with two screens asking you to confirm that you have the relevant Scheme Administrator/Practitioner ID and an Activation Token. Confirm by selecting the 'yes' option for the ID. If you have a Token then choose 'yes' alternatively if you have lost or forgotten the Token provided by HMRC choose 'no'.
You will then be guided through stage two of online registration, a five step process, with indication of which step you are at along the top of the screen as you progress. The five steps are as follows.
Read the 'Terms and Conditions' and 'Accept' to continue with the registration process.
Enter your full name.
Create a Password that you can remember as you will need this every time you login to use the online service.
A User ID will now be displayed on screen. You must make a note of this User ID as you will need it every time you login to use the service.
Enter your Scheme Administrator ID or Practitioner ID, your postcode (or tick the abroad box) and the Activation Token if you have one.
See After Registration if you didn't enter an Activation Token.
If you are already registered to use another HMRC 'Organisation' online service you can register for Pension Schemes Online using your existing User ID and Password.
Alternatively select 'Register' as a new user.
Select 'Pensions' and choose the type of user you wish to register
for as, either Scheme Administrator or Practitioner.
You will then be asked whether or not you have a Scheme Administrator/Practitioner
ID. Select the link 'Apply for a Scheme Administrator ID' or 'Apply
for a Practitioner ID'. You will then be taken through stage one
pre-registration screens.
Enter the following information:
When you have completed stage one (pre-registration process), an Activation Token will be displayed on screen. Please make a note of this and/or take a screen print, as you will not receive confirmation of this by post. The Activation Token will enable you to complete stage two of the registration process quickly once you have received your Scheme Administrator ID or Practitioner ID. HMRC will post a Scheme Administrator ID or Practitioner ID by post to you within five days.
When HMRC have completed stage one (pre-registration) on your behalf,
you will be sent the following by post separately:
When you have received the Scheme Administrator/Practitioner ID go to HMRC website, select 'Pension Schemes' under 'do it online'. You can then complete registration by following the five step registration process.
You can use the Pension Schemes Online service straight away if
you entered the Token during the registration process. When you
have completed registration you will not need to enter it again
so you can dispose of it.
There is no time limit on when the Activation Token can be used.
Select 'begin using the service' link from the 'Registration and
Enrolment Summary' screen at the end of the registration process.
If you don't want to use the service straight away, you can login
when you are ready at HMRC website. Select 'Pension Schemes' under
'do it online' and enter your User ID and Password.
If you didn't enter the Token during the registration process then
the Government Gateway will post you an Activation PIN within seven
days.
When you receive this, login using your User ID and Password and
select the service you want to activate. You can then choose the
appropriate link on the 'At a glance' screen to enter your Activation
PIN. When you have successfully activated the service you can destroy
the Activation PIN, as you won't need it again. Please make sure
you use the Activation PIN within 28 days of the date on the letter
or it will expire.
Visit the Pension Schemes Online Frequently Asked Questions.
If you need assistance and cannot find what you are looking for on the HMRC website, contact the Online Services Helpdesk.
