Death benefits
Use this area to find out what benefits are payable as a:
Also use this section to find information about the higher dependant pension option.
If you die as a contributing or deferred benefit member
The pension payable to your eligible spouse will be a percentage of the invalidity pension that would have been payable had you retired on invalidity grounds.
The various percentages are shown in the second column of the table below. The potential invalidity pension would take into account any reduction in benefits that may apply because of the application of a Benefit Classification Certificate (see The facts about invalidity benefits )
Your spouse may choose any of the benefit choice that would have been available to you on invalidity retirement.
If you die as a pensioner
If you die while you are receiving a CSS pension, your eligible spouse is entitled to receive a pension that is a percentage of the pension being paid at the time of death.
The percentage payable will depend of whether you choose the higher dependant pension option at the time of your retirement. The various pension percentages are shown in the table below.
Higher dependant pension option
If you retire on age or involuntary retirement grounds, or claim your preserved benefit on age grounds, you can elect to receive a lower pension at the time, in return for your eligible souse and/or children a higher pension following your death.
You can elect to reduce your pension to 93% of the normal pension rate and, in return, your eligible spouse and/or children will receive a higher pension.
This option is not available if you retire on invalidity grounds or if you die whilst you are still a contributing or deferred benefit member.
Calculation of spouse’s pension
Number of dependants |
Amount as a percentage of former member’s standard rate pension |
Amount as a percentage of former member’s reduced rate pension* |
|---|---|---|
Spouse only |
67% |
85% |
Spouse and one child |
78% |
97% |
Spouse and two children |
89% |
108% |
Spouse and three or more children |
100% |
108% |
*These percentages rates apply to a member who elects for the higher dependant pension option when they retire.
More information
For information in the event of the death of a member, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone during business hours on 1300 000 277.
