AFPS75 on death

pattojones

Hi.

I am 43 and my immediate pension has been in payment since I retired from the RAF in Apr 16. I opted to take full commutation.

On turning 55 my pension will revert back to its pre-commutation rate and will rise by every increase in inflation that has occurred since I retired 12 years earlier.

If I die before I reach 55 what will happen to my pension? My kids are currently 23 (finished uni, now working), 20 (at Uni) and 15 (at school). My wife works and we are the same age.

What happens when I die, assuming I am older than 55?

TYVM

Marcon

See https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/405070/MMP106_Web_Accessible_Version_pension_scheme_explained.pdf

or contact the scheme direct and ask them to confirm - they will be well used to doing so: 0800 085 3600

xylophone

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/405070/MMP106_Web_Accessible_Version_pension_scheme_explained.pdf


https://forcespensionsociety.org/news/8923/

https://forcespensionsociety.org/news/pensions-for-wives-and-partners/

We strongly recommend that if you are unsure of your dependant’s entitlement you ask Veterans UK for a dependant’s pension forecast by writing to Veterans UK at Pension Division, Mail Point 480, Kentigern House, 65 Brown St, Glasgow G2 8EX, providing your National Insurance Number and date of your marriage. For some reason they wont provide this service by email. If having done that you don’t like what you hear or you don’t understand it, speak to us and we will explain / verify it and if appropriate help challenge it.

Do the above for your peace of mind?

Merlin139

Your spouse will get 50% of your pension.

Brynsam

Merlin139 wrote: »

Your spouse will get 50% of your pension.

...but 50% of what, exactly - the pension is valued for this purpose when? Don't think it is quite as simple as you are suggesting. Also wonder if OP means 'maximum commutation' rather than 'full commutation', which has a totally different meaning.

Check with the scheme.

Silvertabby

Brynsam wrote: »

...but 50% of what, exactly - the pension is valued for this purpose when? Don't think it is quite as simple as you are suggesting. Also wonder if OP means 'maximum commutation' rather than 'full commutation', which has a totally different meaning.

Check with the scheme.

It's commutation, but not as most people know it. AFPS75 members who retire on immediate pension benefits before 55 are offered term commutation, which is calculated thus:

The pension they would have received had they served a full career of 37 years, minus the pension they actually received, times 3. The annual pension is then reduced by £1 for every £12 taken as extra tax free cash.

The pension in issue then 'flat lines' until age 55 - when it is restored to its pre-commutation value and index linked back to the date of retirement.

To answer OP's question, if he were to die before reaching age 55 then his wife would receive 3 months pension at the rate payable as at the date of his death, then an index linked pension for life of 50% of what his pension would have been at age 55 regardless of either of their ages. If he were to die after 55 then, again, his wife would get 3 months of the pension in issue as at the date of his death and 50% thereafter.

Would be less than 50% if OP had any pre 1973 service and didn't pay to increase widow's benefits from 33% to 50% - but he's too young for that.

ADD: There would also be an entitlement to children's pensions if they qualify (subject to age/stage of education).

Sgt Pers Admin (Retd)