The contribution and benefit limits that must not be exceeded under approved pension schemes, which receive valuable tax relief. Contributions, including AVCs, cannot exceed 15 per cent of annual earnings before deductions for tax and national insurance. For members joining after May 1989 the earnings themselves are subject to the earnings cap. The maximum pension benefit under approved occupational schemes, defined benefit or defined contribution, is the same, i.e. two-thirds of final remuneration.