All members of the NHS Pension Scheme are given an 8-digit membership number. Members can find their membership number at the top of any letters they’ve received from us.
Older letters may show it like this, ‘SD 00 / 123456’, but this format is being phased out and replaced with an 8-digit membership number. Existing reference numbers will not change.
Web content will change over time to start referring to ‘membership number’. This change will ensure that all members have the same understanding, as we know some members may not understand what an SD number is. We will also be creating social media posts to highlight the change to members on the NHS Pensions X (formerly Twitter) account.
When making calls using our member helpline, contact centre colleagues will start referring to membership number, instead of SD number. It will help us if members provide the correct membership number when contacting us. If they do not know their membership number, they can provide their National Insurance number instead.
If they also have pension benefits relating to a pension credit, dependant’s pension or other NHS Pension Scheme provision, they may have additional membership numbers.