Dependants’ pension

If you are a former contributor who paid family benefit contributions a spouse’s pension will be paid as of right if on your death your leave a legal widow/er. If you were to die without leaving a widow/er but there was someone other than a child who was financially dependant on you at the date of your death, the Trustees, at their discretion, may award a pension to that person. The pension will be the same amount as the widow/er’s pension. This discretion means the Trustees can recognise partners of either sex and dependant relatives providing they were financially dependant on you. The Trustees can review any discretionary award of pension they make under these arrangements in the light of changes in the dependant’s circumstances.

If you are not married and there is someone who you think might qualify for the payment of an adult dependant’s pension if you were to die, you can write to the administration office with information about the person concerned. This will be recorded on your personal BCSSS file and, in the event of your death, may help to substantiate a claim for payment.