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 partner's pension is being paid to a spouse, civil partner or eligible cohabiting partner.
When a pension is payable to two or more children the pension is shared equally.
Eligible children qualifying conditions
Your eligible children must meet the following conditions:
- be under age 18, or
- under 23 and in full-time education or vocational training, or
- be unable to engage in gainful employment because of physical or mental impairment and either:
- has not reached the age of 23 or
- the impairment is, in the opinion of an Independent Registered Medical Practitioner, likely to be permanent and the child was dependent on you because of that impairment.
Calculation of amount
Children's pensions that are payable if a partner's pension is being paid as well are generally calculated based on:
| Membership | One child | Two or more children |
|---|---|---|
| Your membership from 1 April 2014 | 1/320th of the pensionable pay or assumed pensionable pay you received in each year plus a proportion of any transfer of pension rights credited to your pension account. | 1/160th of the pensionable pay or assumed pensionable pay you received in each year plus a proportion of any transfer of pension rights credited to your pension account. |
| Your membership up to 31 March 2014 | 1/320th of your final pay times (x) the period of your membership in the scheme up to 31 March 2014, upon which your deferred benefit is based. | 1/160th of your final pay times (x) the period of your membership in the scheme up to 31 March 2014, upon which your deferred benefit is based. |
Children's pensions that are payable if no partner's pension is being paid are generally calculated based on:
| Membership | One child | Two or more children |
|---|---|---|
| Your membership from 1 April 2014 | 1/240th of the pensionable pay or assumed pensionable pay you received in each year plus a proportion of any transfer of pension rights credited to your pension account. | 1/120th of the pensionable pay or assumed pensionable pay you received in each year plus a proportion of any transfer of pension rights credited to your pension account. |
| Your membership up to 31 March 2014 | 1/240th of your final pay times (x) the period of your membership in the scheme up to 31 March 2014, upon which your deferred benefit is based. | 1/120th of your final pay times (x) the period of your membership in the scheme up to 31 March 2014, upon which your deferred benefit is based. |