Divorce - NHS Pension

Skibunny40

If an NHS pension is the main asset in a divorce, and split 50/50, does the non-NHS employed spouse have to wait until the pension age specified in the pension to get the money and is it given as a lump sum or monthly payment? Thanks

Silvertabby

Normal 'retirement' age for a pension credit member would be same as their SPA.  However, benefits could be payable earlier (currently 55) but would be subject to early payment reductions.

Payment would then be monthly in arrears, unless the notional value of the pension is small enough to qualify for a trivial commutation (a one off lump sum in lieu of the pension for life) - but that doesn't sound like it could be the case here.

Skibunny40

Thanks Silvertabby. So the non-NHS spouse is referred to as the "pension credit member"? I'd seen that description when trying to read up about this, but wasn't sure

Silvertabby

Skibunny40 said:

Thanks Silvertabby. So the non-NHS spouse is referred to as the "pension credit member"? I'd seen that description when trying to read up about this, but wasn't sure

Yes.    . 

cannugec5

My husband and I are both in receipt of NHS pensions. We have both worked in England and Scotland. He retired in England so receives an English NHS pension. I retired in Scotland so receive a Scottish NHS pension. 

I can’t remember the rules about spouses, but I do know that the annual ‘pay rise’ pension increases are different for the two countries. 

I also know that he was allowed to collect his full pension aged 55 and I was allowed (as a community nurse) at age 52. I am aware these rules have changed, but have to admit I’m 
very grateful! 

hyubh

cannugec5 said:

My husband and I are both in receipt of NHS pensions. We have both worked in England and Scotland. He retired in England so receives an English NHS pension. I retired in Scotland so receive a Scottish NHS pension. 

I can’t remember the rules about spouses, but I do know that the annual ‘pay rise’ pension increases are different for the two countries. 

That's not correct, pension increases are identical. You must be thinking of something else...