Radical Statistics
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Table 5: Derived entitlements in state and private pension schemes

 

Wives

Husbands

Widows

Widowers

Divorced

Basic NI

HRP

HRP

HRP

HRP

HRP
 

60% of husband's pension if both over SPA

-

May use spouse's contrib. record to improve pension, up to maximum for single person

-

SERPS

-

-

Can use spouse's record if widowed before SPA

 

-
     

Survivors receive full amount of spouse's pension (plan to halve this from April 2000 now delayed) in addition to own, up to maximum for single person

 

-

Occupational pension*

-

-

Surviving spouse gets pension on death in service (before 1988, widows only)

For non-married, discretionary lump sum to cohabitee

Courts may order earmark-ing or sharing
     

Surviving spouse gets pension on death in retirement
For non-married, discretionary pension to cohabitee - 75% of private sector schemes and 20% of public sector allow for this

Pension treated as any other income

Personal pension*

-

-

On death in service, fund is paid to trustee, paid out at discretion

Courts may order sharing
     

At annuitisation, married individuals must buy a joint-life annuity
(the value reflects this) Surviving spouse receives annuity

Annuity treated as any other income

Notes: Statutory requirements in bold

HRP: Home Responsibilities Protection applies to years of caring for children and may apply to caring for frail adults

SPA: State pension age

* statutory requirements apply only to that portion of the pension which replaces SERPS

 

Source: General Household Survey 1993-4 (author's analysis)