Retirement pension

Widow's benefits

a) Where marriage took place before the pensioner retired

If a married male pensioner dies leaving a widow whom he married before he retired, she becomes entitled to a widow's pension of:

1. A short-term pension for 3 months equal to the pension and compensation the pensioner was receiving on his death.
2. A long-term pension at the rate stated on the pensioner's award letter as increased by any cost of living increases granted since the pensioner retired.

b) Where marriage took place after the pensioner retired

If a married male pensioner dies leaving a widow whom he married after he retired, she becomes entitled to a widow's pension calculated at the rate of 1/160th of her late husband's pensionable remuneration for each year and part year of his reckonable service occurring after April 5 1978.

Page last updated: 13 January 2020