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Re-enrolment: what it is and how to do it

A simple guide to staying compliant and giving your team a second chance to save 

Every three years, you need to check if any employees who previously opted out of your pension scheme should be re-enrolled. 

It’s called re-enrolment – and it’s an important part of your ongoing pension responsibilities. Here’s how to do it smoothly. 

Step 1: Pick your re-enrolment date 

Your first re-enrolment happens three years after your original duties start date (or staging date). 

You’ve got a six-month window to choose from – that’s three months before or after the anniversary. 

Tip: Align your re-enrolment with your payroll cycle. If you run multiple payrolls, pick one date to cover them all – you can only have one re-enrolment date at a time. 

This cycle repeats every three years. 

Step 2: Check who needs to be re-assessed 

You must reassess: 

  • Employees who opted out or left the scheme more than 12 months ago 
  • Employees who are still with you – even if they’ve handed in their notice 

You can reassess employees who opted out within the last 12 months – but it’s optional. 

Need more detail? The Pensions Regulator has full guidance on who to include. 

Step 3: Re-enrol those who qualify 

Once you’ve identified who needs to come back in you can re-enrol them using your PAPDIS file. This alerts Thrive as to which employees to add back into the scheme. 

Not sure how to update the file? Check your payroll software or use our support article: How to submit your pension contributions using the PAPDIS file. 

Step 4: Let your employees know 

We’ll notify employees for you where we can.  If we’ve got their email, we’ll send a confirmation straight to their inbox. 

If not, we’ll create a re-enrolment letter for you to pass on. 

You need to make sure they get it within six weeks of your re-enrolment date. After that, they’ll have one month to opt out again if they want to. 

Step 5: Re-declare compliance 

Even if you don’t re-enrol anyone, you still need to complete a re-declaration of compliance with The Pensions Regulator.  

 This needs to be done within five months of your original duties start date or the anniversary of your last re-enrolment. 

Use our Declaration of Compliance checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need. 

We’re here when you need us 

Re-enrolment doesn’t have to be a headache. Thrive is here to make sure it’s clear, compliant and under control. 

Got a question? Need help with your PAPDIS file? Not sure who to re-enrol? 

Just ask. 

  • Call: 01452 922000 
  • Email: help@mythrive.co.uk 
  • Live chat: Available on the Thrive website during working hours 

Re-enrolment gives your team another chance to build their future – and we’ll make sure you’re ready to support them when they need it.