SchemeBook · Jargon

Waiting period

A window after joining where some or all benefits aren't payable yet.

Schemes may impose a general waiting period (up to 3 months) and/or a condition-specific waiting period (up to 12 months) when you join or upgrade, particularly if you weren't on another scheme immediately beforehand. PMB conditions cannot be excluded by a condition-specific waiting period, only delayed by the general one.