Frequently Asked Questions about Children's Pensions

Children’s pensions are payable in respect of two dependant children. If there are more than two children, the two pensions can be shared equally between them.

If when a member dies, they have a child who is wholly dependant on them, and is certified by an Independent Registered Medical Practioner as permanently physically or mentally incapacitated, the child’s pension in most cases will be payable in respect of that child for the rest of their life.

If a member retired before 1 April 2008, children’s pensions can become payable up to six months after the death of the member i.e. when the long-term pension becomes payable to the spouse.

If a member retired after 1 April 2008, no short-term spouse’s pension is payable and the child's pension is payable from the day after the member died.

Young children’s pensions are usually paid to the spouse of the deceased or the guardian if there is no spouse.

It would be necessary for a guardian to complete an indemnity form to confirm that the pension payments will be used solely for the child. If a death grant is payable to the child, there is a requirement to set up a trust fund in the form of an account in the child’s name having two guardians as signatories.

Once a child reaches age 16, there is no reason why the child’s pension cannot be paid directly to their own bank account. However, this should be agreed with the parent or guardian.

At age 18 the pension must be paid directly to the "child’s" personal account.

Children's pensions are payable to eligible children and increase every year in line with the cost of living. The amount of pension depends on the number of eligible children you have and if a pension is being paid to a spouse, civil partner or eligible partner.