Pension paid by deceased spouse's ex-employer

sarymclary

Hello,

I need some clarification regarding a nominal pension I receive from one of my deceased husband's previous employers.

My husband died in his mid-30's when self-employed, however some months after his death I discovered some paperwork in the loft, and it transpired he had a pension with a previous employer some 10 years before. This subsequently entitled me to a small monthly payment (taxable), plus smaller payments to each of our children whilst in F/T education (until 18 or 21).

During the time I have received it, I have saved all of the monies paid to me and the children in a savings account, along with a regular £25 monthly payment I also make. This is used to contribute towards their birthday/Christmas gifts, school trips, uniform, etc. Whilst it is a very modest amount, it has made the difference between being able to provide these things, and not. I was left with very little after his death otherwise, due to him mis-handling insurances, etc.

What I would like confirmed is that if I were to re-marry, the payments made in my name would cease, and that I would need to notify the pension provider. Also, if I were to remain unmarried, would my payments continue until I reach pensionable age?

It has been almost 10 years since I was widowed, and am now in another stable relationship. Whilst I haven't had a proposal, I would like to be fully aware of my financial obligations. My own business is not bringing in a very big income, other work is proving hard to secure (I think I've reached that invisible age!), and the payment I am getting has been making a big difference to providing for my children when needed. Unfortunately, as much as I would like to eventually consider remarrying, I cannot see that I could afford to absorb the drop in my income for the forseeable future, or at least before I find work able to pay enough to make up the shortfall.

Any advice is gratefully received. Thank you.

McKneff

Surely if you were to remarry, your new husband would be making far more up than the shortfall.

molerat

You need to read the rules of the pension scheme. Some will cease for you but the children's payments will continue, some will carry on regardless, some are affected by co-habitation and civil partnerships.

atush

I agree you need to read the rules of the scheme (and I would think it would continue after your own retirement.

But, should you cohabit, or marry, the pure savings of having someone to pay half of all bills should out weigh this small amt and leaving you able to save for your future. Maybe you would be able to sell or rent out your home, if you moved into his to provide more income?

So don't let losing this small payment affect your decisions. But I agree, you need to know where you stand should a proposal be forthcoming.

jamesd

You'll need to check the scheme rules. Even cohabiting could be sufficient to end the payments in some schemes, others would continue paying regardless.