General information for pensioners

As a pensioner, you are still a member of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (Northern Ireland) [PCSPS(NI)], and we have designed this section of the website to keep you up-to-date with things that might interest you.

The pensions increase (PI) factor for 2007 is 3.67%, based on the increase in the Retail Prices Index for the 12 months to the end of September 2006. The pensions increase takes effect from 09 April 2007. Pensions that have been in payment for at least a year will receive the full increase, with those that have been in payment for less a year receiving a pro rata increase.

Every time there is a change in the gross annual rate of your pension (e.g. pensions increase), a change in your PAYE tax code notified by HM Revenue and Customs, or a change in other deductions made, this will be shown on your next monthly advice note.

If you are re-employed in the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) or by an employer covered by the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (Northern Ireland) [PCSPS(NI)], depending upon the precise terms of your re-employment, the pension benefits you get may be reduced or fully suspended. This is known as abatement.

Therefore, before you accept re-employment, you should contact us to see how your pension would be affected.

In the event of your death, your next of kin or personal representative should notify us as soon as possible, quoting your pension reference number. We will then issue an application form for any eligible widow/er, surviving civil partner, children or other dependant to claim a pension.

Any benefits overpaid because we are not aware of your death or change of entitlement must be refunded. In the event of your death, we will tell your next of kin or personal representative of any amount overpaid and will seek recovery.

You have probably already nominated someone or an organisation to receive any lump sum payable when you die. You can make, change or cancel such a nomination after you start drawing your pension. To get the relevant form, you will need to either contact us or download it from the resources section

If you are receiving a widow’s/widower’s/civil partner’s pension from us, and you remarry, register (a new) civil partnership, or cohabit as husband or wife or as civil partners (i.e. cohabitation with someone of the same or opposite sex), your full pension will need to be adjusted under classic, your pension based on service before 1 October 2002 will need to be adjusted, under classic plus. If this applies to you, please let us know as soon as possible.

For further information contact the Member Administration Section. You can find their number in the contact us section.