Rights to pension after spouse's death?

anotherbob

Both my wife and I receive a state pension and a teachers pension. In the event of one of us dying, would the survivor continue to receive anything from the late partner's pensions? Gloomy thoughts I know but it's got to happen someday.

mgdavid

state - no.
teachers - possibly yes if a DB (aka final salary) scheme, typically 50% and you have to lodge an 'expression of wish' form to designate who it is to go to.

anotherbob

mgdavid wrote: »

....you have to lodge an 'expression of wish' form to designate who it is to go to.

So both of us should contact Teachers Pensions to arrange this?

atush

Yes, although you would have been asked this when you joined.

xylophone

http://www.nasuwt.org.uk/PayPensionsandConditions/Wales/Pensions/DeathBenefitsforTeachers/index.htm
https://www.teacherspensions.co.uk/members/faqs/retired/death-benefits.aspx

anotherbob

Thank you for the advice and links.

kidmugsy

mgdavid wrote: »

state - no.

That's not my understanding. My widow will get 50% of my "additional pension" (i.e. SERPS and GRB), I understand. Since her basic SP is less than 100% and mine is 100%, I assume that she'll get the difference too. Am I wrong on that?

JezR

The original poster didn't mention having any second state pensions - and if both have been teachers all their working lives they will probably have been contracted out all that time.

Second state pensions are 'inherited' by spouse or civil partner at a rate of at least 50% (more if retired before particular dates). So can a contribution record for a basic pension. This right continues for the protected portions if the proposed changes take place but not any pension accrued after the introduction date as explained in this note.

Men born before 6th April 1945 cannot inherit basic state pension entitlement from their wives though.

jem16

kidmugsy wrote: »

That's not my understanding. My widow will get 50% of my "additional pension" (i.e. SERPS and GRB), I understand.

Only if there is any S2P to inherit which may be unlikely with both contracted out.

Since her basic SP is less than 100% and mine is 100%, I assume that she'll get the difference too. Am I wrong on that?

No her basic state pension would go to 100% based on your contributions.