Universities Superannuation Scheme (CAS-55276-X3G5)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

The complaint is upheld against USS because it failed to provide sufficient and accurate information to Professor E, at the time he made his decision to opt for EOO, about the impact it would have on his entitlement to LRF. Consequently, he made an uninformed decision which has caused him an injustice. USS also failed to respond to Professor E’s IDRP complaint correctly thereby causing him additional serious distress and inconvenience.

Complaint summary

Professor E has complained that his decision to take an enhanced opt out (EOO) in March 2016, and cease pension contributions to coincide with the end of the Final Salary Scheme, meant that he lost a 0.5% late retirement factor (LRF) uplift from April 2016 which was not made clear to him in the literature available at the time. He believes USS should now compensate him by applying the 0.5% per month LRF to his pension benefits from 1 April 2016 until his eventual retirement, at a date to be decided between now and June 2025.