Canon (UK) Ltd Pension Scheme (PO-17636)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Complaint Summary

Mrs S’ complaint is about the Trustees’ decision not to pay her a benefit from the Scheme following the death of her husband. The Trustees’ decision is to pay the death in service lump sum to her children, along with the dependent’s pension.  While Mrs S does not dispute the decision to pay the benefits to her children, she is claiming that she should have received part of the death benefit to assist her in paying off Mr S’ debts and his share of their joint mortgage.

Summary of the Ombudsman’s Determination and reasons

The complaint should be upheld against the Trustees and remitted back to them to reconsider.  This is because they cannot demonstrate that they gave proper consideration to all of the matters which were relevant before deciding how to distribute the death benefits due under the Scheme Rules.