Death before taking pension

Silvertabby

susieb wrote: »

Thankyou, thats really helpful, his service is all after 1978, he started in 1979, left after 32 years. It with west yorkshire pension fund, which when we asked they said no death benefit for me, however this seems not actually true then. I'm a bit annoyed that my IFA didnt check this when planning my needs, as he just went with me saying I'd have no spouse pension.

Just a thought, does the fact it was in payment before we married affect this? and why we were told no benefit for me

Odd - the information booklets I have found only refer to to the fact that there would be no entitlement to a post retirement marriage widows benefit in respect of pre 1972/1978 service. However, is the Fire scheme like the Civil Service scheme - which allows retiring, unmarried members, to take a refund of their widow's pension contributions? Who was it who told you/your husband that there would be no widow's pension payable in the event of his death? Ask for that - and the reason why - in writing.

susieb

Thankyou xylophone and silvertabby.
His scheme is actually with west yorkshire so thats absolutely fantastic.
I wonder whether when he called there was a misunderstanding and yes asking in writing might have been clearer. As we werent married at the time so perhaps they spoke of that current situation.
So unless I'm being totally stupid, I think it means I'll get half his current amount. eg 1/2 * 1 * firefighters pension
as all his service was after 1978.

susieb

Letter now written for absolute certainty.

susieb

Just thought Id update as we have had a reply back from scheme holder. Thankyou all those who helped, they have confirmed that a pension is payable, full rate for 13 weeks and then a pension which is approximately 2/3s of the full pension. So really fantastic news for us, as we had been working on it not providing any spouse income.
I know its horrible to think of these things, but knowing makes planning much easier.

xylophone

Glad to hear your husband was able to get the correct information!

Is he now employing a food taster?:)

JoeCrystal

Thanks, susieb. I always appreciate when posters come back and explained what happened since? Too many don't so it is heartwarming when we see the results. :T

susieb

xylophone wrote: »

Glad to hear your husband was able to get the correct information!

Is he now employing a food taster?:)

Ha ha yes with my level of cooking, hes always opted to cook his own food. However he hasnt locked the knives up yet!

Seriously Id miss him far more than any money could replace, hes safe I promise.