Reserve Forces Pension Scheme Regulations

Reserve Forces Pension Scheme 2005 Amendment Regulations 2012 PDF [198.0 KB]  The RFPS 05 rules have been amended so that in death in service cases, the lump sum will be paid to the nominee (if there is one).  If there is no nominee, it must be paid to the spouse, civil partner or surviving adult dependant (if there is one).  If there is no-one in that category, it must be paid to the member’s personal representative (estate). This accords with long-standing published policy that the lump sum benefit should go to the member’s spouse or eligible partner if there is one. The amended rules provide for a surviving  spouse, civil partner or adult dependant to qualify for a lump sum death benefit irrespective of whether the member has completed the two years qualifying service for a pension.

A new rule has been introduced that will enable members of RFPS 05 who apply for Fixed Protection of their Lifetime Allowance (LTA) to comply with HMRC conditions while retaining most of the benefits available to active members.

The scheme rules have been corrected to provide for Pension Credit Members (PCMs) to receive their pension benefits immediately on reaching age 65 or when the PSO takes effect if that is later. The scheme rules allow for a PCM to opt for early payment of their pension benefits from age 55 on actuarially reduced terms.