> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.collegia.co.uk/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# What is the difference between opting out and ceased membership?

If you're automatically enrolled by your employer but you don't want to be a part of the scheme, you can opt out of membership if you've been a member for less than a month since the enrolment date. You'll receive a refund for any contributions you've made, this is done directly by your employer so please get in touch directly with them to understand the timeline for the refund.

If instead you've been a member of the scheme for more than one month since the enrolment date, but want to stop making contributions, you need to cease the membership and your legal status would be Ceased Member. Your contributions and your employer's contributions will stay invested in your Collegia account and will not be refunded in this case.