It was suggested that the current process for Death in Service, which involves the employer paying the short term pension, should be streamlined and changed so that Teachers’ Pensions pay the short term pension direct to the members spouse or dependent.

We carried out a survey and spoke to employers and employer groups about the proposals and this confirmed the suggested changes to the process.

Therefore, as a result from 1 February 2016 we’re introducing a change to the Death in Service Payment: 

• Any Death in Service with a date of death on or after 1 February 2016 will be calculated and paid by Teachers’ Pensions directly to the spouse or dependent.  Employers MUST NOT pay the Short Term Pension directly to the spouse or dependent after that date. 

• If a death is notified after 1 February 2016, but the date of death is 31 January 2016 or earlier, then the current process of the employer paying the Short Term Pension will remain.