The Occupational Pension Schemes (Winding up, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005

Adjustments to survivors' benefits

7.—(1) Where Article 73A of the 1995 Order applies, the circumstances in which trustees or managers of the scheme are required to adjust any such entitlement as is referred to in Article 73A(7)(b) are where –

(a) it appears to the trustees or managers that as a result of –

(i) the entitlement in question having arisen, or

(ii) that entitlement and any other entitlements under the scheme rules to which Article 73A(7)(b) applies having arisen,

the amount of the total liability for pensions and other benefits in respect of the member is greater than it was immediately before the commencement of the winding up period; or

(b) regulation 6(3) requires the trustees or managers to adjust the entitlement.

(2) In the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (1)(a), the trustees or managers are required to adjust the entitlement or entitlements in such manner as they think fit so that the total amount of the liability for pensions and other benefits in respect of the member does not exceed its amount immediately before the commencement of the winding up period.

(3) See regulation 6(3) for the manner in which the trustees or managers are required to adjust the entitlement or entitlements where that regulation applies.

(4) If –

(a) the commencement of the winding up of the scheme is backdated (whether in accordance with Article 138 of the 2005 Order or otherwise); and

(b) the requirement under paragraph (2) to adjust any entitlement arises as a result of that backdating,

the adjustment must be made with effect from the time the award takes effect.

(5) Where any such entitlement of a person as is referred to in Article 73A(7)(b) of the 1995 Order arises during a period that is a winding up period or an assessment period in relation to a scheme, the trustees or managers of the scheme must give the person notice in writing not later than one month after the date on which it arises –

(a) that it may be adjusted by virtue of this regulation; or

(b) where the entitlement arises before the scheme has begun to be wound up, that it may be so adjusted if the scheme begins to be wound up and the commencement of the winding up is backdated.

(6) Such a notice may be given by post and is to be treated as having been given to the person if it is sent to him by post to his last address known to the trustees or managers.