Survivor Pensions

AlanP_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81938789#Comment_81938789

Fair enough, perhaps you meant something different to how I interpreted your words.

Silvertabby

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81938807#Comment_81938807

Not the same thing at all. But this is partly why I asked OP when his dad had left LGPS employment - if after 1 April 2008, then they MAY be able to base the survivor's pension on co-habiting partner rules. But if he left before that date, then benefits could be only be paid to a legally married spouse, on production of a marriage certificate.

As a further complication, benefits paid to co-habiting partners are limited to post 1988 service only (which is why also asked when dad had joined the scheme).

Marcon

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81938853#Comment_81938853

OP - Silvertabby is a retired LGPS administrator with very considerable knowledge and experience of this horribly complicated scheme, so definitely worth listening to what she has to say.

bigpappa

I have contacted the scheme administrators and they are sending me out a pack to complete. I hope it is straight forward.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Marcon

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939410#Comment_81939410

Come back and post again if you need any help. In addition to @Silvertabby we have at least one other person here with detailed knowledge of the scheme - a current LGPS administrator @Lemon_dr1zzle - so plenty of expertise on tap.

bigpappa

Just an update -how does this work for state pension. I called the Pension Service and informed them of death and asked about how it will affect my mums pension - they said you can claim a widower pension?

But how can you claim if you don't know what your income is as I thought reading below my mum might be able to receive part of my dad state pension?

https://www.gov.uk/new-state-pension/inheriting-or-increasing-state-pension-from-a-spouse-or-civil-partner

This is all new and confusing to me so sorry if the questions seem inane.

molerat

State pension inheritance rules are different depending on state pension entitlement starting pre or post April 2016.

bigpappa

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939638#Comment_81939638

Father reached state pension age october 2002 and mum Jan 2010.

molerat

https://www.gov.uk/additional-state-pension/inheriting

She should also get her basic pension topped up to the full amount if not already at that amount.

https://www.gov.uk/state-pension

bigpappa

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939658#Comment_81939658

So does that get automatically done now they know my father has passed away or do you need to apply for that? If you need to apply how do you do that?