Pension Schemes Online Registration

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 1 - apply for and recive from us a Scheme Administrator ID/ Practitioners ID (if you don't already have one)

Stage 2 - (complete registration) - register and enrol to use the Pension Schemes Online service.

Contents:

I have a Scheme Administrator or Practitioner ID

  • Go to the HMRC website
  • Select 'Pension Schemes' under the 'do it online' section
  • You will then be presented with a 'Welcome to Online Services' screen.

Existing online service user:

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.

  • Enter your User ID and Password and select 'login' then choose the Pension Schemes Online service you would like to enrol for.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts relating to the Scheme Administrator/Practitioner ID and Activation Token.
  • If you have the relevant ID, confirm that you wish to use your current User ID and Password.
  • Enter details - Scheme Administrator/Practitioner ID, Postcode and Activation Token (optional).

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.

New online service user:

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'.

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Five step registration process

You will then be guided through stage 2 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.

Step 1 Terms & Conditions

Read the 'Terms and Conditions' and 'Accept' to continue with the registration process.

Step 2 About You

Enter your full name.

Step 3 Create Password

Create a Password that you can remember as you will need this every time you login to use the online service.

Step 4 Note User ID

A User ID will now be displayed on screen. The Government Gateway will also post you confirmation of the User ID on a handy card. Keep this safe as you will need it along with your Password every time you login to the online service.

Step 5 Enter Details

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.

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I don't have a Scheme Administrator or Practitioner ID

  • Go to the HMRC website
  • Select 'Pension Schemes' under the 'do it online' section
  • You will then be presented with a 'Welcome to Online Services' screen.

Existing and new online service users

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 1 pre-registration screens.

Enter the following information:

  • whether you are a Scheme Administrator or a Practitioner (mandatory)
  • whether or not you are resident in the UK (mandatory)
  • either your own name or the company/organisation name (mandatory)
  • your address (mandatory)
  • your email address (optional)
  • your telephone number (optional).

When you have completed stage 1 (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 2 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 5 days.

When HMRC have completed stage 1 (pre-registration) on your behalf, you will be sent the following by post separately:

  • an Activation Token - keep this safe until you receive your Scheme Administrator ID or Practitioner ID so you can complete stage 2 of the registration process for Pension Schemes Online
  • a Scheme Administrator ID or Practitioner ID.

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.

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After Registration

Entered Activation Token

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.

Didn't enter Activation Token

If you didn't enter the Token during the registration process then the Government Gateway will post you an Activation PIN within 7 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.

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Where can I get more information?

Visit the Pension Schemes Online Frequently Asked Questions.

If you need assistance and cannot find what you are looking for on our website, contact our Online Services Helpdesk.