If you were married, or in a civil partnership at the time your benefits were preserved:

• your spouse/civil partner will be entitled to a monthly pension in the event of your death.

The monthly survivors pension is payable in addition to the lump sum death grant.

I left before 1 April 2008

If you were married, or in a civil partnership at the time your benefits were preserved:

• Your wife would receive - half of your preserved pension
• Your husband would receive - half of your preserved pension. But, if you have pensionable service prior to 6 April 1988, this will only count towards your husbands pension. This is if you elected for it to do so and paid the additional contributions.

• Your civil partner would receive - half of your preserved pension. Although only membership after 6 April 1988 will count towards your civil partners pension

If you married after your benefits were preserved, your husband or wife's pension may be calculated differently.

• Your wife would receive - half of your preserved pension built up from 6 April 1978
• Your husband would receive - half of your preserved pension built up from 6 April 1988.  Any additional membership you purchased will not count towards your husband's pension.

Your spouse's widow's or widower's pension will be payable:

• on a monthly basis and in most cases for the rest of their life.

But, if you left the Fund before 6 April 1988:

• different rules may apply if your spouse or civil partner re marries, enters into a civil partnership or cohabits.

I left after 1 April 2008

• Your husband or wife would receive - 1/160th of your final pensionable pay multiplied by your pensionable service in the scheme.  If you marry after your benefits are preserved, the pension could be less.
• Your civil partner would receive - a pension equal to 1/160th of your final pensionable pay, multiplied by your pensionable service in the scheme.  If you enter into a civil partnership after your benefits are preserved, the pension could be less.
• Your nominated cohabiting partner would receive - 1/160th of your final pensionable pay. This is multiplied by your pensionable service in the scheme (only pensionable service after 6 April 1988 will count towards a cohabiting partners pension)

The cohabiting partners pension is not automatic, in the event of your death your partner would only receive a pension if you meet certain conditions and if you have completed a nomination of cohabiting partner for survivors pension form. If you left after 1 April 2014 this form is not essential, but you must still meet certain conditions.

Our Jargon Buster may help with pensions terminology.