Defined benefit pension schemes provide retirement benefits that are based on your earnings and the length of time that you have been a member of the scheme. Each pension scheme defines what is meant by ‘earnings’. This may not be the same amount that is shown on your pay slip.
Earnings for pension purposes (or pensionable earnings) may not include payments you receive such as overtime, commission, bonuses or other benefits. They may also only be based on a proportion of your wages or salary. Your employer will be able to explain this to you.
Examples of defined benefit pension schemes include final salary schemes and career average revalued earnings (CARE) schemes.