Deloitte UK Pension Scheme , formerly known as the Deloitte & Touche UK Pension Scheme (D&TUKPS) (CAS-38437-Z8J7)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome 

The complaint should not be upheld against the Trustee because:-

• No death benefits are payable to Ms N in respect of Mr T’s death under the Scheme Rules.

• It had properly informed Mr T of the benefits payable in the event of his death from the Scheme. 

Complaint summary

Ms N has complained that the Trustee wrongly decided not to award her a dependant’s pension or a lump sum from the Scheme following the death of her long term partner, Mr T, in August 2016. 

Ms N says that:-

• The Trust Deed and Rules of the Scheme (the Scheme Rules) permit payment of death benefits to her, subject to the discretion of the Trustee, following the transfer of Mr T’s pension rights from the South Yorkshire Pension Fund (SYPF) to the Scheme in 2003.
•  Mr T’s wishes have consequently not been carried out by the Trustee. 

If her position above is not supported, she contends that:- 

• The Trustee did not adequately inform Mr T that, as Ms N was not married to him, no benefits would be payable to her from the Scheme on his death.
• Mr T would have taken a “discounted lump sum” from the Scheme if the Trustee had not failed to do this.