Protection for Dependants
Do spouses pensions cease on re-marriage?
No, spouse's pensions are payable for life.
Can members increase the spouse’s pension payable in the event of their death?
Yes. Members have the option to allocate part of their pension to provide a higher spouse's pension. By selecting this option, the member's own pension will be reduced. Please contact the Pensions Team for further information if this is of interest to you.
If a member has no spouse can they increase their own pension?
No. The Spouse's pension is an automatic benefit.
If the member has no spouse, how are benefits paid?
Any nominated beneficiary can receive a lump sum via return of contributions, at the discretion of the Trustees. Up to the value of the Spouse's pension can be paid as a Child's allowance, if the child/children are under the age of 18, or 23 if in full time education. The amount payable will not exceed the Spouse's pension and will be paid at the discretion of the Trustee's. The Trustee's also have the discretion to award a dependant's pension to, if at the time of their death, the beneficiary was substantially financially dependent on the member. For this purpose, financial dependence may include financial interdependence of the member and his or her unmarried partner.
