Widow's or widower's pension scheme refunds

If you are a classic member and have remained unmarried throughout your Civil Service career, you will receive a refund of most of the contributions you paid towards a widow’s/widower’s/civil partner's pension.

Any member of the classic scheme who has paid WPS contributions of over 40 years at age 60 or 45 years at age 65 are entitled to a refund of the excess contributions paid. These should be paid by your employing department very soon after you have received your pension benefits from the scheme.

If you are in classic plus, were unmarried on 30 September 2002, and have remained unmarried throughout your Civil Service career, you will receive a refund of the contributions you made towards a widow’s/widower’s/civil partner's pension up to and including 30 September –no refund will be payable for contributions paid after this date

If you have been married at any time in classic or classic plus, we will only refund contributions for the period of service between your marriage ending and you retiring. In all circumstances the scheme will keep a small part of your contributions in case you should marry in retirement.

If you are due a refund of the contributions you paid for a widow’s, widower’s or civil partner’s pension, this will be paid as part of your pension lump sum within 3 months of your retirement. If you have left on or after 6 April 2006 with a preserved pension you will receive the refund at age 60 along with your pension and lump sum.

If this is not possible (for example, if you start getting your pension before 6 April 2006, but your refund is not due until after 6 April when you reach 60), we will convert the refund into a small additional pension and lump sum.

There are no refunds payable under premium.

If you would like more information please contact Member Administration Section. You can find their number in the contact us section.