Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PO-12427)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Mr E’s complaint and no further action is required by the Cabinet Office

My reasons for reaching this decision are explained in more detail below.

Complaint summary

Mr E has complained that when he left the MOD in 1996 he was informed that he could draw his two MOD pensions at age 60. There was no mention of any abatement rule. When he applied for his pensions at age 60 these were wholly abated. Mr E believes the abatement should not be applied and wants his full unabated pension re-instated.

Mr E says he has also been receiving a smaller annual pension as a result of incorrect amalgamation advice. The Cabinet Office has admitted this in the second stage Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) but it is not clear to him where the figures come from.