Recent changes have been made to the Teachers’ Pensions Regulations (TPR) in relation to survivor benefits. This is following the introduction of opposite sex civil partnerships in England and Wales. Opposite sex civil partnership ceremonies can be held from 31 December 2019.

As a result of the amendments to the TPR, an opposite sex civil partner will qualify for survivor benefits. These benefits are aligned to those available to the spouse of a member who was in an opposite sex marriage.

Females who survive their male spouse or civil partner will receive benefits in relation to the member’s pensionable service from 1 April 1972, unless the marriage or civil partnership took place after the member left the Scheme, in which case pensionable service from 6 April 1978 will apply. Males who survive their female spouse or civil partner will receive benefits based on pensionable employment from 6 April 1988.

We’re currently working on a guide to help members understand their family benefits, which we’ll include on the member section of our website when it’s available.