UKAEA Pensions
Post retirement marriages
What if I marry after I retire?
The Social Security Pension Act 1975, which took effect on 6 April 1978, requires all public service occupational pension schemes, like the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority schemes, to pay a widow’s or widower’s pension when a member dies and leaves a widow or widower, irrespective of when the marriage took place. This only applies in respect of pensionable service on or after 6 April 1978 (men) or 6 April 1988 (women). Therefore widows or widowers of United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority pensioners, who marry after they retire, will be entitled to a widow’s or widower’s pension based only on the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority reckonable service since 6 April 1978 (men) or 6 April 1988 (women).
This aspect of the scheme is often misunderstood, so if it applies to you please make sure your spouse is aware of the implications.
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