Widows and Widowers
If you die after you have retired, your spouse or civil partner will be entitled to a pension for life based on 1/160th of the pensionable pay for each year of membership used to calculate your pension (but see notes below). This pension will be increased by the same percentage increases applied to your own pension since you retired.
If you retired after 31 March 2008 and you have nominated an unmarried cohabiting partner to receive a pension, they will be asked to provide evidence of your relationship and financial dependency before any benefits can be paid.
If you retired after 31 March 2008 and you die within 10 years and before age 75, there will also be a death grant equal to the balance of pension remaining.
If you retired before 1 April 2008 and die within 5 years, the death grant payable will be the balance of 5 years' pension. It is very important to complete a nomination form so that we can pay the death grant quickly.
There may be children's pensions payable if you still have dependent children who are under 17 or still in full time education and between age 17 and 23.
Your next of kin will need to contact us immediately in the event of your death.
For more information please see our widow/ers / civil partners factsheet or contact us.
Please note:
- If you have a civil partner or nominated unmarried cohabiting partner, only your Scheme membership after 5 April 1978 will count when calculating their pension.
- If you are a man and married your wife after you retired, only your membership after 5 April 1978 will count when calculating her pension.
- If you are a woman and married your husband after you retired, only your membership after 5 April 1988 will count when calculating his pension.
- If you retired before 1 April 2008 you cannot nominate an unmarried cohabiting partner to receive a pension on your death, but you can nominate them to receive any death grant.
Wiltshire Pensions Fund, County Hall,Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JJ.
© 2007 Wiltshire Pension Fund.