Teachers’ Pension Scheme (PO-19018)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Complaint summary

The complaint against the School, the Council and TP is brought by the late Mrs S’ husband (Mr S) on behalf of the Estate and concerns Mrs S being given a benefit statement prior to her death stating that an in-service death grant of £114,830.70 would be payable. However, after Mrs S passed away an out of service death grant of only £18,703.62 was paid. The complaint also concerns the School’s actions at the point where Mrs S exhausted her sick pay and left pensionable service.

Summary of the Ombudsman’s decision and reasons

The complaint is upheld against the Council on the basis that it provided erroneous information to TP. This led to Mrs S’s receiving a benefit statement that incorrectly stated she was entitled to an in-service death grant. This, in turn, dissuaded her from applying for ill health retirement benefits before she passed away.