Details of any adult financial dependant (on pension form)

John1125

Hi - I'm almost 58 and have worked for a high street bank since I was 18; so approaching 40 year contributions, which I think is the maximum. 
I'm able to take my full pension at 60 put will probably work on a few years, as my eldest son is in Uni and want to help support him. Maybe partial retirement or similar. 
My query is, I've just had a form through from Bank pension providers asking me to confirm various details.  One section asks for 'Your marital status and details of any adult financial dependant'. 
I've been married to my wife for 26 years and we have 2 sons.  I've ticked box as 'Married and live with my spouse'
However, below this, from asks for 'Details of any adult financial dependent (tick if appropriate)'. Our youngest son has quite severe epilepsy and other disabilities and lives at home. He's 21. He has had odd part-time job from time to time but struggles to stay/keep them due to seizures and other issues.  Although he tries his best, realistically, we are likely to have to support him/ be his main carers into old-age. He does get PIP etc which helps somewhat but he's never likely to have enough money to have his own place or be able to be alone without continuous care. 
Anyway, the pension form isn't clear if he would be classed as a 'financial dependent'.
I'm also not clear that if I put a tick against my disabled son will my pension then be split between him and my wife, should I pass away first?
My wife says I should just let it all come to her, as she does all the budgeting - and she'll cover all son's needs anyway. 
I'm just not clear though how it works in practice - would the bank split my pension between my wife and dependent son or does it work differently eg would my wife and I have to die and only then would the dependent adult receive a pension provision? 
I want to do my best to look after him and make provisions for his future, especially as we're likely to not be around as long as he is, but I am dithering about what box on the form I need to tick and why. 
Sorry if this doesn't make much sense - I'm confused myself. I just don't want to not tick the box for disabled son and then him miss out, especially financially, when I'm no longer around to sort things for him, if that makes sense Thanks for any advice in advance. 

DullGreyGuy

Presumably this is a DB pension given how long you have been there?

Do you have a copy of the scheme rules?

If you dont understand the rules or dont have a copy of them then ask. Whilst there are many complex aspects in the pensions industry it's often not that complex within a single scheme but schemes can vary widely. It would be rare for the pension to be "shared"... what each gets is typically independent of if one or both out exists you. 

Nebulous2

You need to check the rules, as has been said. In the public sector schemes a dependent's pension is in addition to a spouse / partner one. 


The idea of a dependent's pension is to support young children and it usually stops after school / university. An exception is children with a disability who can get it for life. 

It could be quite unwise only nominating your spouse. What happens when she dies? Your son could continue to receive a pension for another 60 / 70 years from now if he had one in his own right. 

DRS1

Does the form have a separate question about children?

The way it is phrased it seems to be looking for a "partner" who would not qualify as a spouse or civil partner.

As others have said it is worth checking the rules about pensions to children and whether they can continue after 18/full-time education in certain circumstances.  If those circumstances are physical or mental incapacity and financial dependence then it may be worth following up with the scheme as to whether your son would qualify.  It may be easier to go through that process while you are still around than later.