Pension Schemes Act 1993

Part IVE+W+S Protection for early leavers

Chapter IE+W+S preservation of benefit under occupational schemes

69 Scope of Chapter I: the preservation requirements.E+W+S

(1)This Chapter has effect in relation to the preservation of benefit under occupational pension schemes to which it applies.

(2)In this Act “the preservation requirements” means the requirements specified in or under sections 71 to 82.

(3)This Chapter applies to any occupational pension scheme whose resources are derived in whole or in part from—

(a)payments made or to be made by one or more employers of earners to whom the scheme applies, being payments either—

(i)under an actual or contingent legal obligation; or

(ii)in the exercise of a power conferred, or the discharge of a duty imposed, on a Minister of the Crown, government department or any other person, being a power or duty which extends to the disbursement or allocation of public money; or

(b)such other payments by the earner or his employer, or both, as may be prescribed for different categories of scheme.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

70 Interpretation.E+W+S

(1)In this Chapter—

  • “scheme” means an occupational pension scheme to which this Chapter applies;

  • “relevant employment”, in relation to a scheme, means any employment to which the scheme applies;

  • “long service benefit”, in relation to a scheme, means the benefits which will be payable under the scheme, in accordance with legal obligation, to or in respect of a member of the scheme on the assumption—

    (a)

    that he remains in relevant employment, and

    (b)

    that he continues to render service which qualifies him for benefits,

    until he attains normal pension age; and in this definition “benefits” means—

    (i)

    retirement benefit for the member himself at normal pension age, or

    (ii)

    benefit for the member’s wife or husband, widow or widower, or dependants, or others, on his attaining that age or his later death, or

    (iii)

    both such descriptions of benefit.

(2)In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, “pensionable service”, in relation to a scheme and a member of it, means, subject to subsection (3), service in relevant employment which qualifies the member (on the assumption that it continues for the appropriate period) for long service benefit under the scheme.

(3)There shall be taken into account as pensionable service only actual service, that is to say—

(a)service notionally attributable for any purposes of the scheme is not to be regarded as pensionable service; and

(b)no account is to be taken of scheme rules by which a period of service can be treated for any purpose as being longer or shorter than it actually is.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

71 Basic principle as to short service benefit.E+W+S

(1)A scheme must make such provision that where a member’s pensionable service is terminated before normal pension age and—

(a)he has at least 2 years’ qualifying service, or

(b)a transfer payment in respect of his rights under a personal pension scheme has been made to the scheme,

he is entitled to benefit consisting of or comprising benefit of any description which would have been payable under the scheme as long service benefit, whether for himself or others, and calculated in accordance with this Chapter.

(2)The benefit to which a member is entitled under subsection (1) is referred to in this Act as “short service benefit”.

[F1(3)Subject to subsection (4), short service benefit must be made payable as from an age which is no greater than—

(a)the age of 65, or

(b)if in the member’s case normal pension age is greater than 65, normal pension age.]

(4)Short service benefit payable on or in respect of the member’s death after normal pension age must be made payable as from his death or within such time after it as long service benefit payable on or in respect of his death would be payable.

(5)In applying subsections (3) and (4), no regard is to be had to the operation of any scheme rule, taking effect at any time after termination of the member’s pensionable service, as to what is normal pension age under the scheme.

(6)A scheme must not provide for payment of short service benefit in the form of a lump sum at any time before normal pension age, except in such circumstances as may be prescribed.

(7)In subsection (1) “2 years’ qualifying service” means 2 years (whether a single period of that duration or two or more periods, continuous or discontinuous, totalling 2 years) in which the member was at all times employed either—

(a)in pensionable service under the scheme; or

(b)in service in employment which was contracted-out by reference to the scheme; or

(c)in linked qualifying service under another scheme.

(8)For the purposes of subsection (7), no regard shall be had to whether or not the service was of the same description in the whole of the 2 years.

(9)A period of service previously terminated is not to count towards the 2 years’ qualifying service unless it counts towards qualification for long service benefit, and need then count only to the same extent and in the same way.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

72 No discrimination between short service and long service beneficiaries.E+W+S

(1)A scheme must not contain any rule which results, or can result, in a member being treated less favourably for any purpose relating to short service benefit than he is, or is entitled to be, treated for the corresponding purpose relating to long service benefit.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to any rule in its application to members whose pensionable service terminated before the rule came into force, unless the rule—

(a)was made after the termination of a member’s pensionable service; and

(b)results, or is capable of resulting, in any treatment less favourable for him than that to which he would have been entitled but for the rule.

(3)Subsection (1) does not apply to a rule which merely confers discretion on the scheme’s trustees or managers, or others, so long as it is not a rule requiring the discretion to be exercised in any discriminatory manner against members in respect of their short service benefit.

[F2(4)This section is subject to subsections (3) and (6) of section 71 (age at which short service benefit is to be payable).]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

73 Form of short service benefit and its alternatives.E+W+S

(1)Subject to subsection (2) and section 81, a member’s short service benefit must be—

(a)payable directly out of the resources of the scheme; or

(b)assured to him by such means as may be prescribed.

(2)Subject to subsections (3) to (5), a scheme may, instead of providing short service benefit, provide—

(a)for the member’s accrued rights (including any transfer credits allowed under the scheme)—

(i)to be transferred to another occupational pension scheme with a view to acquiring transfer credits for the member under the other scheme, or

(ii)to be transferred to a personal pension scheme F3... with a view to acquiring rights for the member under the rules of the scheme F3...; or

(b)for such alternatives to short service benefit as may be prescribed.

(3)The option conferred by subsection (2)(a) is additional to any obligation imposed by Chapter IV of this Part.

(4)The alternatives specified in subsection (2)(a) and (b) may only be by way of complete or partial substitute for short service benefit—

(a)if the member consents; or

(b)in such other cases as may be prescribed.

(5)An alternative prescribed under subsection (2)(b) may only include payment by way of return of contributions—

(a)if they relate to a period of service before 6th April 1975; or

(b)if there has been such a payment relating to a period of service before that date and the contributions relate to a period of service of less than 5 years after that date.

Textual Amendments

F3Words in s. 73(2)(a)(ii) repealed (11.11.1999 for specified purposes, 25.4.2000 in so far as not already in force) by Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c. 30), s. 89(5)(a), Sch. 2 para. 3(2)(a), Sch. 13 Pt. I; S.I. 2000/1047, art. 2(2)(b), Sch. Pt. 2

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

74 Computation of short service benefit.E+W+S

(1)Subject to the provisions of this section, a scheme must provide for short service benefit to be computed on the same basis as long service benefit.

(2)For that purpose, no account is to be taken of any rule making it (directly or indirectly) a condition of entitlement to benefit that pensionable service shall have been of any minimum duration.

(3)Subsection (1) does not apply to so much of any benefit as accrues at a higher rate, or otherwise more favourably, in the case—

(a)of members with a period of pensionable service of some specified minimum length, or

(b)of members remaining in pensionable service up to some specified minimum age.

(4)Subsection (1) does not apply to so much of any benefit as is of an amount or at a rate unrelated to length of pensionable service or to the number or amount of contributions paid by or for the member.

(5)Regulations may provide that subsection (1) shall not apply to any category of schemes or members, or description of benefit.

(6)So far as any short service benefit is not required to be computed in accordance with subsection (1), it must be computed on the basis of uniform accrual, so that at the time when pensionable service is terminated, it bears the same proportion to long service benefit as the period of that service bears to the period from the beginning of that service to the time when the member would attain normal pension age or such lower age as may be prescribed.

(7)Where long service benefit is related to a member’s earnings at, or in a specified period before, the time when he attains normal pension age, short service benefit must be related, in a corresponding manner, to his earnings at, or in the same period before, the time when his pensionable service is terminated.

(8)A scheme must comply with any regulations relating to the basis of computation of short service benefit, including regulations providing for the avoidance of fractional amounts and otherwise to facilitate computation.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

75 Credits.E+W+S

(1)In this section—

  • “supplementary credits”, in relation to a scheme and a member’s entitlement to its benefits, means any increase of benefit or additional benefit to which the member may become entitled—

    (a)

    in consequence of any provision made by or under the scheme after he becomes a member of it (to the extent that it applies to any previous pensionable service of his); or

    (b)

    by reference to previous service of his (whether or not pensionable service); or

    (c)

    in such other circumstances as may be prescribed,

    including under paragraph (b) any transfer credits;

  • “purchased credits” means supplementary credits for which, under the rules of the scheme, a member may or must make a payment in whole or in part (whether by means of additional contributions, or of deduction from benefit, or otherwise, and whether separately for each credit or by one or more payments for one or more credits);

  • “bonus credits” means supplementary credits other than purchased credits or transfer credits.

(2)Subject to subsections (3) to (7), if a scheme provides for long service benefit to include supplementary credits, it must—

(a)provide for such credits to be included in short service benefit, and

(b)provide for all credits to be so included.

(3)Where purchased credits have not been paid for in full at or before termination of pensionable service, the short service benefit must include the appropriate proportion of the credits.

(4)In subsection (3) “the appropriate proportion of the credits” means—

(a)if they were to be paid for by a fixed amount, the same proportion as the amount paid bears to the full amount payable; and

(b)otherwise, the same proportion as the period between the time when the first payment became due and the termination of the member’s pensionable service bears to the whole period over which payment was to be made.

(5)If the benefit includes bonus credits, or credits for which payment is to be made by deduction from that or another benefit, the credits to be included in the benefit and (where applicable) the amount of the deduction must be computed on the assumption—

(a)that the credits accrue in full only to a member remaining in pensionable service until normal pension age; and

(b)that the amount of any such credit, and also of any relevant deduction, accrues at a uniform rate from the time when the credit was awarded up to the time of his attaining that age.

(6)Where any such deduction is a percentage of benefit, the percentage must be the same for short service as for long service benefit.

(7)A scheme must comply with any regulations made with respect to the manner in which supplementary credits are to be included in short service benefit, including regulations providing for the avoidance of fractional amounts and otherwise to facilitate computation.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

76 Pension increases.E+W+S

(1)A scheme which by its rules provides for increases of long service benefit from time to time (whether by way of upwards revaluation or otherwise) must provide for corresponding increases of short service benefit in the case of members whose pensionable service terminates at any time after the coming into force of any such rule.

(2)Where the provision for increasing long service benefit involves the exercise of a discretion, a corresponding discretion must be conferred in relation to short service benefit.

(3)If an increase of long service benefit is to take effect at a specified time after termination of service, the corresponding increase of short service benefit must take effect at the same time after the time when short service benefit becomes payable.

(4)Where provision is made for increase of long service benefit otherwise than at a fixed rate, short service benefit may nevertheless be subject to increase at a fixed rate, if the rate is at least 3 per cent. a year compound.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

77 Assignment, surrender and commutation of benefit.E+W+S

[F4(1)Except as provided by this section, a scheme—

(a)must contain rules preventing assignment of short service benefit; and

(b)must not enable such benefit to be surrendered or commuted.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to any assignment, surrender or commutation of a policy of insurance or annuity contract in accordance with conditions prescribed by regulations under section 19(4)(b) or (c).

(3)A scheme may enable assignment in favour of the member’s widow or widower or dependant (whether or not the benefit is in payment).

(4)A scheme may, at the option of the member, enable surrender—

(a)to provide benefit for the member’s widow, widower or dependant;

(b)to acquire for the member transfer credits under the rules of another occupational pension scheme or rights under the rules of a personal pension scheme or a self-employed pension arrangement;

(c)to acquire for the member entitlement to further benefits under the same scheme, relating both to a period of pensionable service previously terminated and also to a subsequent period of service in relevant employment.

(5)A scheme may enable a member’s benefit to be commuted—

(a)in a case where he opts (at any time) to commute at or after normal pension age; or

(b)in exceptional circumstances of serious ill-health; or

(c)in such other circumstances as may be prescribed.

(6)A scheme may enable benefit for a member’s widow, widower or dependant to be commuted in such circumstances as may be prescribed.

(7)In the application of this section to Scotland, for references to assignment there shall be substituted references to assignation.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

78 Forfeiture, etc.E+W+S

[F4(1)Except so far as permitted by this section, a scheme must not contain any provision for forfeiture of short service benefit.

(2)Provision may be made for forfeiture of the whole or part of any short service benefit by reference to an event occurring after it becomes payable if—

(a)long service benefit is also forfeited by reference to the event; and

(b)in the opinion of the Board the provision does not appear to discriminate against members entitled to short service benefit.

(3)Provision may be made for forfeiture by reference to—

(a)the assignment or attempted assignment or, in Scotland, the assignation or attempted assignation of the benefit contrary to the provisions of the scheme;

(b)the member’s bankruptcy or the sequestration of the member’s estate or, in the case of benefit for a widow or widower or dependant of the member, the beneficiary’s bankruptcy or the sequestration of the beneficiary’s estate.

(4)Such forfeiture as mentioned in subsection (3) may be by reference to an event occurring either before or after the benefit would otherwise be payable, if the same provision is made in relation to long service benefit.

(5)Provision for forfeiture may be made—

(a)in a public service pension scheme, by reference to the member being convicted of an offence—

(i)committed by him before the benefit becomes payable and in connection with relevant employment, and

(ii)certified by a Minister of the Crown either to have been gravely injurious to the State or to be liable to lead to serious loss of confidence in the public service;

(b)in any case, by reference to the member having been convicted of any offence committed before the benefit becomes payable, being—

(i)an offence of treason, or

(ii)one or more offences under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1989 for which the member has been sentenced on the same occasion to a term of imprisonment of, or to two or more consecutive terms amounting in the aggregate to, at least 10 years.

(6)No scheme rule must operate so as to deprive any person of short service benefit by reference to—

(a)failure by any person to make a claim for the benefit or for any payment due as benefit; or

(b)failure by any person, at any time after termination of pensionable service, to give any notice, or comply with any formality, required by the scheme as a condition of entitlement.

(7)Subsection (6)(a) is not to prevent reliance on any enactment relating to the limitation of actions; and a scheme may provide for the right to receive any payment to be forfeited if it is not claimed within 6 years of the date on which it becomes due.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

79 Charges, liens and set-offs.E+W+S

[F4(1)A scheme must not enable a member’s employer to exercise any description of charge or lien on, or set-off against, short service benefit, to the extent that it includes transfer credits.

(2)Subject to subsection (1), a scheme may enable a charge or lien on, or set-off against, a member’s short service benefit for the purpose of enabling the employer to obtain the discharge by the member of some monetary obligation due to the employer and arising out of a criminal, negligent or fraudulent act or omission by the member.

(3)Subject to subsection (4), a scheme must not enable the employer to recover from, or retain out of, the resources of the scheme any sum in respect of a monetary or other obligation due to him from any member.

(4)Subsection (3) does not apply to an obligation arising as mentioned in subsection (2) but, if the scheme permits recovery or retainer of sums in respect of such an obligation, it must provide that—

(a)unless the employer and the member agree otherwise in writing, the recovery or retainer is limited—

(i)to the actuarial value of the member’s actual or prospective benefits at that time, or

(ii)to the amount of the obligation,

whichever is the less; and

(b)the member is entitled to a certificate showing the amount retained or recovered and its effect on his benefits or prospective benefits; and

(c)in the event of any dispute as to the amount to be retained or recovered, the employer is only entitled to enforce the charge, lien or set-off after the obligation has become enforceable under an order of a competent court or the award of an arbitrator or, in Scotland, an arbiter to be appointed (failing agreement between the parties) by the sheriff.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

80 Power to modify ss. 77 to 79 as respects alternative benefits.E+W+S

[F4In respect of any of the benefits or rights alternative to short service benefit provided in accordance with section 73(2), sections 77, 78 and 79 shall apply with such modifications as may be prescribed.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

81 Discharge of liability where short service or alternative benefits secured by insurance policies or annuity contracts.E+W+S

A transaction to which section 19 applies discharges the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme from their liability to provide for or in respect of any person short service benefit or any alternative to short service benefit—

(a)if it is carried out not earlier than the time when that person’s pensionable service terminates; and

(b)if and to the extent that it results in short service benefit or any alternative to short service benefit for or in respect of that person being appropriately secured (within the meaning of that section); and

(c)if and to the extent that the requirements set out in paragraph (a) or (c) of section 19(5) are satisfied.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

82 Supplementary regulations.E+W+S

(1)Regulations may provide that a scheme is not to be treated as conforming with the preservation requirements unless it contains express rules to the effect (but not necessarily in the words) of any specified provision contained in sections 71 to 79.

(2)Regulations may make provision as to the circumstances in which, for the purposes of sections 70 to 79—

(a)a period of a person’s service in two or more different employments is to be treated as a period of service in one or more of those employments; or

(b)a person’s service in any employment is to be treated as terminated or not terminated.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

Chapter IIE+W+S Revaluation of accrued benefits (excluding guaranteed minimum pensions)

83 Scope of Chapter II.E+W+S

(1)This Chapter applies for the purpose of revaluing—

(a)[F5relevant] benefits payable to or in respect of a member of an occupational pension scheme where—

(i)his pensionable service ends on or after 1st January 1986;

(ii)on the date on which his pensionable service ends (in this Chapter referred to as “the termination date”) he has accrued rights to benefit under the scheme;

(iii)the period beginning with the day after the termination date and ending with the date on which he attains normal pension age (in this Chapter referred to as “the pre-pension period”) is at least 365 days; and

(iv)in the case of benefit payable to any other person in respect of the member, the member dies after attaining normal pension age; and

(b)[F5relevant] benefits payable to or in respect of a member of a personal pension scheme—

(i)in respect of whom contributions to the scheme have ceased to be paid; and

(ii)who has accrued rights to benefit under the scheme.

[F6(1A)The following are relevant benefits for the purposes of subsection (1)—

(a)any benefits payable otherwise than by virtue of rights which are attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit, and

(b)in the case of a salary related occupational pension scheme, any benefits payable by virtue of such rights, to the extent that the rights involve the member being credited by the scheme with notional pensionable service.]

(2)In calculating 365 days for the purpose of subsection (1)(a)(iii), any day which is 29th February shall be disregarded.

(3)In subsection (1)(b)—

(a)the reference to a personal pension scheme does not include a scheme which is comprised in an annuity contract made before 4th January 1988; and

(b)the reference to contributions includes any minimum contributions.

[F7(4)For the purposes of this section, an occupational pension scheme is salary related if—

(a)it is not a money purchase scheme, and

(b)it does not fall within a prescribed class.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

84 Basis of revaluation.E+W+S

(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (3), in the case of such benefits as are mentioned in section 83(1)(a), any pension or other retirement benefit payable under the scheme in question to the member and any pension or other benefit payable under it to any other person in respect of him, is to be revalued by the final salary method.

(2)If—

(a)any such benefit is an average salary benefit or flat rate benefit; and

(b)it appears to the trustees or managers of the scheme under which it is payable that it is appropriate to revalue the benefit by the average salary method or, as the case may be, the flat rate method,

then the benefit shall be revalued using that method.

(3)If any benefit such as is mentioned in paragraph (a) of section 83(1) is a money purchase benefit, and in the case of such benefit as is mentioned in paragraph (b) of that section, the benefit shall be revalued using the money purchase method.

(4)In this section—

  • “average salary benefit” means benefit the rate or amount of which is calculated by reference to the average salary of a member over the period of service on which the benefit is based;

  • “flat rate benefit” means any benefit the rate or amount of which is calculated by reference solely to the member’s length of service;

  • “average salary method”, “final salary method”, “flat rate method” and “money purchase method” have the meanings given in Schedule 3.

(5)The fact that a scheme provides for the amount of the pension or other benefit for a member or for any other person in respect of him to be increased during the pre-pension period—

(a)by the percentages specified during that period under section 151(1) of the M1Social Security Administration Act 1992 (directions specifying percentage increases for up-rating purposes); F8... [F9or

(b)under any arrangement which maintains the value of the pension or other benefit by reference to the rise in the retail prices index during that period,]

F8(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

does not in itself result in conflict with this section, if the increase falls to be determined by reference to an amount from which the guaranteed minimum for a member or a member’s widow or widower has not been deducted.

[F10(6)In subsection (5)(b), “retail prices index” means—

(a)the general index of retail prices (for all items) published by the Office for National Statistics, or

(b)where that index is not published for a month, any substituted index or figures published by that Office.]

Textual Amendments

F9S. 84(5)(b) and word inserted (18.11.2004) by Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35), ss. 281(2), 322(2)(b) (with s. 313)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

Marginal Citations

85 Revaluation not to apply to substituted benefit.E+W+S

Nothing in this Chapter is to be construed as requiring the revaluation of any pension or other benefit provided by virtue of section 73(2)(b) [F11or 101D(2)(b)] by way of complete substitute for another pension or benefit.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

86 Supplementary provisions.E+W+S

(1)In making any calculation for the purposes of this Chapter in relation to any occupational pension scheme—

(a)any commutation, forfeiture or surrender of,

(b)any charge or lien on, and

(c)any set-off against,

the whole or part of a pension shall be disregarded.

(2)The same money may not be treated as providing both the increase in benefit required by this Chapter and the benefit required by Chapter III.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

Chapter IIIE+W+S Protection of increases in guaranteed minimum pensions (“anti-franking”)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

87 General protection principle.E+W+S

(1)This subsection applies where—

(a)there is an interval between—

(i)the date on which an earner ceases to be in employment which is contracted-out by reference to an occupational pension scheme which is not a money purchase contracted-out scheme (“the cessation date”); and

(ii)the date on which his guaranteed minimum pension under that scheme commences (“the commencement of payment date”);

(b)the relevant sum exceeds his guaranteed minimum on the day after the cessation date; and

(c)on the commencement of payment date or at any time after it his guaranteed minimum pension under the scheme exceeds the amount of his guaranteed minimum under it on the day after the cessation date.

(2)This subsection applies where—

(a)there is an interval between the earner’s cessation date and whichever of the following is the earlier—

(i)the date of his death; or

(ii)his commencement of payment date;

(b)the relevant sum exceeds one half of the earner’s guaranteed minimum on the day after the cessation date; and

(c)at any time when a pension under the occupational pension scheme is required to be paid to the earner’s widow or widower, the widow’s or, as the case may be, the widower’s guaranteed minimum pension under the scheme exceeds one half of the earner’s guaranteed minimum on the day after the cessation date.

(3)Where subsection (1) or (2) applies, the weekly rate of the pension payable to the member at any time when that pension is required to be paid or, as the case may be, payable to the widow or widower at any such time as is mentioned in subsection (2)(c) shall be an amount not less—

(a)in a case where by virtue of section 73(2)(b) a pension is provided by way of complete substitute for short service benefit or, as the case may be, for widow’s or widower’s pension, than the weekly rate of that pension; and

(b)in any other case, than the relevant aggregate.

(4)In subsection (3) “the relevant aggregate” means the aggregate of the following—

(a)the relevant sum;

(b)the excess mentioned in subsection (1)(c) or, as the case may be, subsection (2)(c);

(c)any amount which is an appropriate addition at the time in question; and

(d)where the scheme provides that part of the earner’s or, as the case may be, the widow’s or widower’s pension shall accrue after the cessation date by reason of the earner’s employment after that date, the later earnings addition.

(5)To the extent that amounts attributable to transfer credits have accrued by reason of any transfer before 1st January 1985, they are to be disregarded for the purposes of subsections (1)(c), (2)(c) and (4)(b).

(6)Nothing in this section shall be construed as entitling an earner who has not reached normal pension age to any portion of a pension under a scheme to which he would not otherwise be entitled.

(7)This section does not apply to a pension to which a person is entitled in respect of employment if—

(a)the earner left the employment or left it for the last time before 1st January 1985; or

(b)the employment ceased, or ceased for the last time, to be contracted-out in relation to him before that date.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

88 The relevant sum.E+W+S

(1)For the purposes of this Chapter “the relevant sum” means—

(a)in a case where subsection (1) of section 87 applies—

(i)if the earner reaches normal pension age on or before the cessation date, an amount equal to the weekly rate of his pension on the day after the cessation date; and

(ii)if he reaches normal pension age after the cessation date, an amount equal to the weekly rate of any short service benefit which has accrued to him on the cessation date or, where no such benefit has then accrued, any other benefit to which this sub-paragraph applies and which has then accrued to him; and

(b)in a case where subsection (2) of that section applies, an amount equal to the weekly rate at which, on the prescribed assumptions, a pension would have begun to be paid to the widow or widower if that person had satisfied the conditions for entitlement to a pension which are specified in the scheme.

(2)Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) has effect subject to subsection (5) and to sections 87(5) and 91(1), and paragraph (b) of subsection (1) has effect subject to section 87(5).

(3)The benefit other than short service benefit to which subsection (1)(a)(ii) applies is benefit—

(a)which would have been provided as either the whole or part of the earner’s short service benefit; or

(b)of which the earner’s short service benefit would have formed part,

if section 71(1)(a) had effect with the substitution of a reference to the service which the earner had on the cessation date for the reference to 2 years’ qualifying service.

(4)Any such benefit is only to be included in the relevant sum to the extent that it does not exceed the amount which the scheme would have had to provide as short service benefit if section 71(1) had effect as mentioned in subsection (3).

(5)If the payment of any part of the earner’s pension is postponed beyond the cessation date, the relevant sum is an amount equal to what would have been the weekly rate of his pension on the day after the cessation date if there had been no such postponement.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

89 The appropriate addition.E+W+S

(1)For the purposes of this Chapter “appropriate addition” means—

(a)where a scheme provides that part of an earner’s or, as the case may be, a widow’s or widower’s pension shall accrue after the cessation date by reason of the earner’s employment after that date, an amount equal to the part which has so accrued; and

(b)where a scheme provides that an earner’s or, as the case may be, a widow’s or widower’s pension which has accrued before that date shall be enhanced after that date if payment of the earner’s pension is postponed, the amount by which the unguaranteed element of the pension has been enhanced by reason of the postponement.

(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) the unguaranteed element of a pension is—

(a)in the case of an earner’s pension, the excess of the pension on the day after the cessation date over the earner’s guaranteed minimum on that day; and

(b)in the case of the widow’s or widower’s pension, the excess of that pension on that day over one half of the earner’s guaranteed minimum on that day.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

90 The later earnings addition.E+W+S

(1)For the purposes of this Chapter “the later earnings addition” means the amount (if any) by which the assumed later unguaranteed element exceeds the unguaranteed element.

(2)In subsection (1)—

(a)“the unguaranteed element” means the amount by which the relevant sum exceeds the earner’s guaranteed minimum on the day after his cessation date or, in the case of a widow’s or widower’s pension, one half of that minimum; and

(b)“the assumed later unguaranteed element” means the amount by which the relevant sum would exceed the earner’s guaranteed minimum (or, in the case of a widow’s or widower’s pension, one half of that minimum) on the assumptions mentioned in subsection (3).

(3)The assumptions mentioned in subsection (2) are—

(a)that the relevant sum were calculated on the basis that the weekly rate of the pension or benefit which determines that sum had been calculated by reference to the level of earnings by reference to which that rate would have been calculated if the earner’s cessation date had fallen on the earlier of—

(i)the earner’s commencement of payment date, or

(ii)the date on which the earner ceased to be in pensionable service under the scheme; and

(b)that the earner’s guaranteed minimum were such sum as bears the same proportion to the assumed later unguaranteed element as the guaranteed minimum mentioned in subsection (2)(a) bears to the unguaranteed element.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

91 Special provision where employment continues after it ceases to be contracted-out by reference to scheme.E+W+S

(1)If—

(a)an earner’s employment ceases to be contracted-out by reference to an occupational pension scheme but the scheme continues to apply to it; or

(b)an earner transfers from employment which is contracted-out by reference to an occupational pension scheme to employment to which the scheme applies but which is not contracted-out by reference to it,

the amount of any short service or other benefit which has accrued to the earner shall be computed for the purposes of section 88(1)(a)(ii) as it would be computed if he had ceased on the cessation date to be in employment to which the scheme applies.

(2)If—

(a)a benefit under a scheme is conditional on an earner attaining a particular age or having a particular length of service; and

(b)one of the events mentioned in subsection (1) occurs before he has fulfilled the condition; but

(c)he continues to be in employment to which the scheme applies until he has done so,

the earner shall be treated for the purposes of the previous provisions of this Chapter as if that benefit had accrued to him.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

92 Supplementary provisions.E+W+S

(1)In making any calculation for the purposes of this Chapter—

(a)any commutation, forfeiture or surrender of,

(b)any charge or lien on, and

(c)any set-off against,

the whole or part of a pension shall be disregarded.

(2)In calculating an earner’s guaranteed minimum for the purposes of this Chapter his earnings factor shall be taken to be that factor as increased, except as provided by subsection (3), by the last order under section 21 of the M2Social Security Pensions Act 1975 or section 148 of the M3Social Security Administration Act 1992 to come into force before the end of the tax year in which the cessation date falls.

(3)If an earner’s cessation date falls in the tax year in which he attains pensionable age, subsection (2) shall have effect in relation to him as if for the words from “tax year” onwards there were substituted the words “ final relevant year ”.

(4)In this section “final relevant year” has the same meaning as in section 16.

(5)Any reference in this Chapter to the weekly rate of a pension is to be construed, in relation to a pension payable otherwise than weekly, as a reference to the weekly sum which would be payable in respect of a pension of that amount payable weekly.

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

Marginal Citations

Chapter IVE+W+S Transfer values

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

93 Scope of Chapter IV.E+W+S

(1)This Chapter applies—

(a)[F12to any member of an occupational pension scheme—

(i)whose pensionable service terminates on or after 1st January 1986 and at least one year before normal pension age; and

(ii)who on the date when it terminates (in this Chapter referred to as “the termination date”) has accrued rights to benefit under the scheme; and]

[F12to any member of an occupational pension scheme—

(i)whose pensionable service has terminated at least one year before normal pension age, and

(ii)who on the date on which his pensionable service terminated had accrued rights to benefit under the scheme,

except a member of a salary related occupational pension scheme whose pensionable service terminated before 1st January 1986 and in respect of whom prescribed requirements are satisfied]

(b)to any member of a personal pension scheme (other than a scheme which is comprised in an annuity contract made before 4th January 1988) who has accrued rights to benefit under the scheme.

[F13(1ZA)In subsection (1), references to accrued rights to benefit do not include rights which are attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit.]

[F14(1A)For the purposes of this section and the following provisions of this Chapter, an occupational pension scheme is salary related if—

(a)the scheme is not a money purchase scheme, and

(b)the scheme does not fall within a prescribed class.

(1B)Regulations may—

(a)provide for this Chapter not to apply in relation to a person of a prescribed description, or

(b)apply this Chapter with prescribed modifications to occupational pension schemes—

(i)which are not money purchase schemes, but

(ii)where some of the benefits that may be provided are money purchase benefits.]

(2)Any reference to a member of an occupational pension scheme or a personal pension scheme in the following provisions of this Chapter is a reference to a member of such a scheme to whom this Chapter applies.

Textual Amendments

F12S. 93(1)(a) substituted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 152(2), 180(1); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F14S. 93(1A)(1B) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 152(3), 180(1); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

[F1593ASalary related schemes: right to statement of entitlementE+W+S

(1)The trustees or managers of a salary related occupational pension scheme must, on the application of any member, provide the member with a written statement (in this Chapter referred to as a “statement of entitlement”) of the amount of the cash equivalent at the guarantee date of any benefits which have accrued to or in respect of him under the applicable rules.

[F16(1A)In subsection (1), the reference to benefits which have accrued does not include benefits which are attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit.]

(2)In this section—

  • “the applicable rules” has the same meaning as in section 94;

  • “the guarantee date” means the date by reference to which the value of the cash equivalent is calculated, and must be—

    (a)

    within the prescribed period beginning with the date of the application, and

    (b)

    within the prescribed period ending with the date on which the statement of entitlement is provided to the member.

(3)Regulations may make provision in relation to applications for a statement of entitlement, including, in particular, provision as to the period which must elapse after the making of such an application before a member may make a further such application.

(4)If, in the case of any scheme, a statement of entitlement has not been provided under this section, section 10 of the Pensions Act 1995 (power of the Regulatory Authority to impose civil penalties) applies to any trustee or manager who has failed to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance with this section.]

Textual Amendments

F15S. 93A inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 153, 180(1); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

94 Right to cash equivalent.E+W+S

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this Chapter—

(a)a member of an occupational pension scheme [F17other than a salary related scheme] acquires a right, when his pensionable service terminates [F18(whether before or after 1st January 1986)] , to the cash equivalent at the relevant date of any benefits which have accrued to or in respect of him under the applicable rules; and

[F19(aa)a member of a salary related occupational pension scheme who has received a statement of entitlement and has made a relevant application within three months beginning with the guarantee date in respect of that statement acquires a right to his guaranteed cash equivalent]

(b)a member of a personal pension scheme acquires a right to the cash equivalent at the relevant date of any benefits which have accrued to or in respect of him under the rules of the scheme.

[F20(1A)For the purposes of subsection (1)(aa), a person’s “guaranteed cash equivalent” is the amount stated in the statement of entitlement mentioned in that subsection.]

[F21(1B)In subsection (1), references to benefits which have accrued do not include benefits which are attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit.]

(2)In this section—

  • “the applicable rules” means—

    (a)

    any provision which the rules of the scheme do not contain but which a scheme must contain if it is to conform with the requirements of Chapter I; and

    (b)

    the rules of the scheme, except so far as Chapter II or III overrides them; and

    (c)

    any provision of Chapter II or III which overrides any of the rules of the scheme;

  • [F22“the guarantee date” has the same meaning as in section 93A(2)]

  • “the relevant date” means, subject to regulations under section 98(4)—

    (a)

    the date of the relevant application, or

    (b)

    in the case of an occupational pension scheme, if it is later, the termination date;

  • “the relevant application” means any application which the member has made under section 95 and not withdrawn.

[F23(3)Regulations may provide that, in prescribed circumstances, subsection (1)(aa) does not apply to members of salary related occupational pension schemes or applies to them with prescribed modifications.]

Textual Amendments

F17Words in s. 94(1)(a) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 154(1)(a), 180(1); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F18Word in s. 94(1)(a) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 154(1)(b), 180(1); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F19S. 94(1)(aa) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 154(2), 180(1); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F20S. 94(1A) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 154(3), 180(1); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F22Words in s. 94(2) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 154(4), 180(1); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F23S. 94(3) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 154(5), 180(1); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

95 Ways of taking right to cash equivalent.E+W+S

(1)A member of an occupational pension scheme or a personal pension scheme who acquires a right to a cash equivalent under [F24paragraph (a), (aa) or (b) of section 94(1)] may only take it by making an application in writing to the trustees or managers of the scheme requiring them to use the cash equivalent to which he has acquired a right in whichever of the ways specified in subsection (2) or, as the case may be, subsection (3) he chooses.

(2)In the case of a member of an occupational pension scheme, the ways referred to in subsection (1) are—

(a)for acquiring transfer credits allowed under the rules of another occupational pension scheme—

(i)the trustees or managers of which are able and willing to accept payment in respect of the member’s accrued rights, and

(ii)which satisfies prescribed requirements;

(b)for acquiring rights allowed under the rules of a personal pension scheme—

(i)the trustees or managers of which are able and willing to accept payment in respect of the member’s accrued rights, and

(ii)which satisfies prescribed requirements;

(c)for purchasing from one or more [F25insurers] such as are mentioned in section 19(4)(a), chosen by the member and willing to accept payment on account of the member from the trustees or managers, one or more annuities which satisfy prescribed requirements;

(d)for subscribing to other pension arrangements which satisfy prescribed requirements.

(3)In the case of a member of a personal pension scheme, the ways referred to in subsection (1) are—

(a)for acquiring transfer credits allowed under the rules of an occupational pension scheme—

(i)the trustees or managers of which are able and willing to accept payment in respect of the member’s accrued rights, and

(ii)which satisfies prescribed requirements;

(b)for acquiring rights allowed under the rules of another personal pension scheme—

(i)the trustees or managers of which are able and willing to accept payment in respect of the member’s accrued rights, and

(ii)which satisfies prescribed requirements;

(c)for subscribing to other pension arrangements which satisfy prescribed requirements.

F26(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)Except in such circumstances as may be prescribed—

(a)subsection (2) is to be construed as if paragraph (d) were omitted; and

(b)subsection (3) is to be construed as if paragraph (c) were omitted.

(6)Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (2) and (3), the powers conferred by those subsections include power to provide that a scheme or pension arrangement or, in the case of subsection (2), an annuity must satisfy requirements of the Inland Revenue.

(7)A member of an occupational pension scheme may only exercise the right conferred by this section on or before the last option date.

(8)In subsection (7) “the last option date” means, subject to regulations under section 98, the date which falls—

(a)one year before the date on which the member attains normal pension age; or

(b)six months after the termination date,

whichever is the later.

(9)An application to the trustees or managers of the scheme under subsection (1) is to be taken to have been made if it is delivered to them personally, or sent by post in a registered letter or by the recorded delivery service.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

96 Further provisions concerning exercise of option under s. 95.E+W+S

(1)A member may exercise the option conferred by subsection (1) of section 95 in different ways in relation to different portions of his cash equivalent, but a member who exercises that option must do so—

(a)in relation to the whole of his cash equivalent; or

(b)if subsection (2) applies, in relation to the whole of the balance mentioned in subsection (3).

(2)This subsection applies where—

(a)the trustees or managers—

(i)of an occupational pension scheme which is not a contracted-out scheme, or

(ii)of a personal pension scheme which is not an appropriate scheme, F27...

F27(iii). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

are able or willing to accept a transfer payment only in respect of a member’s rights other than his accrued rights to guaranteed minimum pensions, [F28his accrued rights so far as attributable to service in contracted-out employment on or after the principal appointed day] or his protected rights; and

(b)the member has not required the trustees or managers of the scheme from which he is being transferred to use the portion of his cash equivalent which represents those accrued or protected rights in any of the ways specified in subsection (2) or, as the case may be, subsection (3) of section 95.

(3)Where subsection (2) applies, this section and sections 94, 95 and 97 are to be construed as conferring on the member an option only in respect of the balance of the cash equivalent to which the member would otherwise be entitled, after deduction of an amount sufficient for the trustees or managers of the scheme from which he is being transferred to meet their liability—

(a)in the case of a transfer from an occupational pension scheme, in respect of the member’s and the member’s widow’s or, as the case may be, widower’s [F29pensions, being guaranteed minimum pensions or pensions so far as attributable to service in contracted-out employment on or after the principal appointed day] or the member’s protected rights; and

(b)in the case of a transfer from a personal pension scheme, of the member’s protected rights.

[F30(4)Where a member of an occupational pension scheme or a personal pension scheme—

(a)is entitled to give a notice under section 101F(1) to the trustees or managers of the scheme, or

(b)would be entitled to do so, but for section 101G(1),

he may not, if the scheme so provides, make an application to them under section 95 unless he also gives them a notice under section 101F(1).]

Textual Amendments

F27S. 96(2)(a)(iii) and word repealed (11.11.1999 for specified purposes, 25.4.2000 in so far as not already in force) by Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c. 30), s. 89(5)(a), Sch. 2 para. 3(2)(b), Sch. 13 Pt. I; S.I. 2000/1047, art. 2(2)(b), Sch. Pt. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

97 Calculation of cash equivalents.E+W+S

(1)Cash equivalents are to be calculated and verified in the prescribed manner.

(2)Regulations may provide—

(a)that in calculating cash equivalents [F31except guaranteed cash equivalents] account shall be taken—

(i)of any surrender, commutation or forfeiture of the whole or part of a member’s pension which occurs before the trustees or managers of the scheme of which he is a member do what is needed to comply with what he requires under section 95;

(ii)in a case where subsection (2) of section 96 applies, of the need to deduct an appropriate amount to provide for the liabilities mentioned in subsection (3) of that section;

[F32(aa)for a cash equivalent, including a guaranteed cash equivalent, to be reduced so as to take account of the extent (if any) to which an entitlement has arisen under the scheme to the present payment of the whole or any part of—

(i)any pension; or

(ii)any benefit in lieu of pension; and]

(b)that in prescribed circumstances a cash equivalent shall be increased or reduced.

(3)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (2), the circumstances that may be specified by virtue of paragraph (b) of that subsection include—

(a)in the case of an occupational pension scheme, the length of time which elapses between the termination of a member’s pensionable service and his exercise of the option conferred by this Chapter or regulations made under it;

(b)failure by the trustees or managers of the scheme to do what is needed to carry out what a member of the scheme requires within 6 months of [F33the date on which they receive an application from him under section 95] [F33the appropriate date]; and

(c)the state of the funding of the scheme.

[F34(3A)For the purposes of subsection (3), the “appropriate date”—

(a)in the case of a salary related occupational pension scheme, is the guarantee date (within the meaning of section 93A), and

(b)in any other case, is the date on which the trustees receive an application from the member under section 95.]

(4)Regulations under subsection (2) may specify as the amount by which a cash equivalent is to be reduced such an amount that a member has no right to receive anything.

Textual Amendments

F31Words in s. 97(2)(a) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 4(a); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F33Words in s. 97(3)(b) substituted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 4(b); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F34S. 97(3A) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 4(c); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

98 Variation and loss of rights under s. 94.E+W+S

(1)Regulations may provide that a member of an occupational pension scheme [F35other than a salary related scheme] who continues in employment to which the scheme applies after his pensionable service in that employment terminates—

(a)only acquires a right to the cash equivalent of such part of the benefits specified in section 94(1) as may be prescribed; or

(b)acquires no right to a cash equivalent.

[F36(1A)Regulations may provide that a member of a salary related occupational pension scheme who continues in employment to which the scheme applies after his pensionable service in that employment terminates—

(a)acquires a right to only part of his guaranteed cash equivalent, or

(b)acquires no right to his guaranteed cash equivalent.]

(2)Regulations may provide for the purposes of subsection (1) [F37or (1A)] that in prescribed circumstances a number of employments (whether or not consecutive) shall be treated as a single employment.

(3)Regulations may provide that where—

(a)by virtue of regulations under subsection (1) or (2), a member of an occupational pension scheme [F38other than a salary related scheme] does not, on the termination of his pensionable service in an employment to which a scheme applies, acquire a right at the relevant date to the cash equivalent of the whole or a part of the benefits specified in section 94(1); [F39and][F39or]

[F39(b)his employment terminates at least one year before normal pension age,

that right shall accrue to him on the date when that employment terminates and be valued accordingly.]

[F39(aa)by virtue of regulations under subsection (1A) or (2), a member of a salary related occupational pension scheme does not, on such a termination, acquire a right to the whole or any part of his guaranteed cash equivalent,

and his employment terminates at least one year before normal pension age]

(4)In relation to any case to which regulations under subsection (3) apply, they may substitute—

(a)a new definition of “the relevant date” for the definition in section 94(2); and

(b)a new definition of “the last option date” for the definition in section 95(8).

(5)Where the whole or any part of the [F40relevant] benefits payable to a member of a personal pension scheme under the scheme have become payable on or before the relevant date, the right which he acquires under section 94 is only to the cash equivalent of [F41benefits] which have not become payable.

(6)A member of an occupational pension scheme or a personal pension scheme loses the right to any cash equivalent under this Chapter if the scheme is wound up.

(7)A member of an occupational pension scheme also loses that right [F42if]—

F43(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)he fails to exercise the option conferred by section 95 on or before the last option date (within the meaning of subsection (7) of that section).

(8)In this section

[F44“relevant benefits” means any benefits not attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit; and]

“the relevant date” has the same meaning as in section 94(2).

Textual Amendments

F35Words in s. 98(1) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 5(a); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F36S. 98(1A) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 5(b); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F37Words in s. 98(2) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 5(c); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F38Words in s. 98(3)(a) inserted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 5(d)(i); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

F39S. 98(3)(aa) substituted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 5(d)(ii); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

99 Trustees’ duties after exercise of option.E+W+S

(1)Where—

(a)a member has exercised the option conferred by section 95; and

(b)the trustees or managers of the scheme have done what is needed to carry out what the member requires,

the trustees or managers shall be discharged from any obligation to provide benefits to which the cash equivalent related except, in such cases as are mentioned in section 96(2), to the extent that an obligation to provide such guaranteed minimum pensions or give effect to such protected rights continues to subsist.

(2)Subject to the following provisions of this section, if the trustees or managers of a scheme receive an application under section 95, they shall do what is needed to carry out what the member requires—

[F45(a)in the case of a member of a salary related occupational pension scheme, within 6 months of the guarantee date, or (if earlier) by the date on which the member attains normal pension age,

(b)in the case of a member of any other occupational pension scheme, within 6 months of the date on which they receive the application, or (if earlier) by the date on which the member attains normal pension age, or

(c)in the case of a member of a personal pension scheme, within 6 months of the date on which they receive the application.]

(3)If—

(a)disciplinary proceedings or proceedings before a court have been begun against a member of an occupational pension scheme at any time before the expiry of the period of 12 months beginning with the termination date; and

(b)it appears to the trustees or managers of the scheme that the proceedings may lead to the whole or part of the pension or benefit in lieu of a pension payable to the member or his widow being forfeited; and

(c)the date before which they would (apart from this subsection) be obliged under subsection (2) to carry out what the member requires is earlier than the end of the period of 3 months after the conclusion of the disciplinary or court proceedings (including any proceedings on appeal),

then, subject to the following provisions of this section, they must instead do so before the end of that period of 3 months.

[F46(3A)In this section, “guarantee date” has the same meaning as in section 93A.]

(4)F47...

F47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F47The Regulatory Authority may, in prescribed circumstances, grant an extension of the period within which the trustees or managers of the scheme are obliged to do what is needed to carry out what a member of the scheme requires.]

F47(...). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F47(4A)Regulations may make provision in relation to applications for extensions under subsection (4).]

F48(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F49(7)Where the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme have not done what is needed to carry out what a member of the scheme requires within six months of the date mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2)—

(a)they must, except in prescribed cases, notify the Regulatory Authority of that fact within the prescribed period, and

(b)section 10 of the Pensions Act 1995 (power of the Regulatory Authority to impose civil penalties) shall apply to any trustee or manager who has failed to take all such steps as are reasonable to ensure that it was so done.

(8)Regulations may provide that in prescribed circumstances subsection (7) shall not apply in relation to an occupational pension scheme.]

Textual Amendments

F45S. 99(2)(a)-(c) substituted for s. 99(2)(a) (6.4.1997) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 6(a); S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. 2

F47S. 99(4)(4A) substituted (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 6(c); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 5)

F49S. 99(7)(8) added (6.4.1996 for specified purposes, 6.4.1997 in so far as not already in force) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), s. 180(1), Sch. 6 para. 6(e); S.I. 1996/778, art. 2(5)(a), Sch. Pt. V; S.I. 1997/664, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. II (with art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

100 Withdrawal of applications.E+W+S

(1)Subject to [F50subsections (2) and (2A)], a member of a scheme may withdraw an application under section 95 by giving the trustees or managers of the scheme notice in writing that he no longer wishes them to do what is needed to carry out what he previously required.

(2)Such a notice shall be of no effect if it is given to the trustees or managers at a time when, in order to comply with what the member previously required, they have already entered into an agreement with a third party to use the whole or part of the member’s cash equivalent in a way specified in subsection (2) or, as the case may be, subsection (3) of section 95.

[F51(2A)If the making of the application depended on the giving of a notice under section 101F(1), the application may only be withdrawn if the notice is also withdrawn.]

(3)A member who withdraws an application may make another.

(4)A notice to the trustees or managers of a scheme under this section is to be taken to have been given if it is delivered to them personally, or sent by post in a registered letter or by recorded delivery service.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

101 Supplementary provisions.E+W+S

In making any calculation for the purposes of this Chapter—

(a)any charge or lien on, and

(b)any set-off against,

the whole or part of a pension shall be disregarded.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I1Ss. 1-187 in force at 7.2.1994 by S.I. 1994/86, art. 2