NHS pensions

loulou41

We both received NHS pensions we joined in 1967. I always assume I will get my husband's 50% when he dies. My friend told me my husband will only get about a third of my pension . Are there different rules for widow and widower. Thanks

Andy_L

The 1995 (and earlier?) scheme provides for a 50% survivors pension. The newer schemes a 37.5% - 33.75% pension, which is close enough to a 1/3rd to be what you friend is refering to.

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/member-hub/family-and-your-pension

Silvertabby

There ARE different rules for widowers pensions, especially relating to pre 1988 service and post retirement marriages.

The rules are complex, so you need to look at the scheme booklet (available on line) to see what applies to you.

woolly_wombat

You might find the following 'Review of Survivor Benefits in Occupational Pension Schemes' of interest:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/323874/survivor-benefits-in-occupational-pension-schemes.pdf

Specifically, paragraphs 2.11 - 2.16:

Survivor benefits for opposite sex spouses
2.11 Eligibility for survivor pensions has changed over time. Provision of survivor pensions for females who survive their male spouse developed much earlier than provision for males who survive their female spouse. In the post war period many schemes began to provide survivor benefits for women who survived their male spouse. However, survivor pensions for men who survived their female spouse were not routinely provided until much later.......etc etc

stoozie1

Loulou41 your total reward statement online updated to April 17 will show a pension value your spouse will receive annually in the event you go first.

loulou41

stoozie1 wrote: »

Loulou41 your total reward statement online updated to April 17 will show a pension value your spouse will receive annually in the event you go first.

Where do I find this? I have retired 12 yrs ago. Thanks

TARDIS

https://www.totalrewardstatements.nhs.uk

loulou41

Thanks according to the leaflet I got when I retired widower's pension will be half from 1988. I started to contribute from 1980 so my understanding is he will only get half of my NHS pension contributions from 1988. If I am a widow I will get half of his. Different rules seem to apply.