Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme Northern Ireland (PO-5352)

Complaint summary

Mr McLaughlin has complained that he was not informed in his award letter that his ill health pension was subject to a periodic review, there is no mention of the need for a  periodic review in the booklet headed “Pensions Choices” (the Booklet) and the Department say they have not breached Rule D.5(2) (a) of the Scheme rules (the Rules).

Summary of the Ombudsman’s determination

I find that there was maladministration, but Mr McLaughlin has not suffered a financial loss as a consequence of it. Therefore the complaint should be upheld against the Department, but only to the extent of non-financial injustice he has suffered.