Advice on qualifying for Dependants Pension

[caveman60]

I have a company DB pension which also offers a dependants pension after my death to spouse, children under 23 or those after attaining age 23, if in the opinion of the Trustee, the child "was wholly or mainly dependent on the Member at the date of the Member's death for all or any of the ordinary necessities of life because of physical or mental impairment." This wording is taken from the Finance Act 2004. My question is: does anyone know whether this definition would apply to an adult child with Prader Willi Syndrome living at home (my feeling being almost certainly yes) or more likely in the circumstances living in council funded (possibly with private top-up provided by personal savings or Trust) Specialised Supported Living? The Trustees of my Pension Scheme refuse to rule on this until the point at which the application is made.

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hello caveman60

It would be great to know if any other parents on here have come across this. Pension Trustees holding back on these decisions could be affecting lots of people.

Pensions are very complex so it might be good to speak to one of our helpline advisors on 0808 808 1111

or email [e-mail].

Are you in touch with the Prader Willi Syndrome Association UK? They may experience know of this happening before - pwsa.co.uk/

Many thanks

Sarah

[caveman60 in reply to Sarah_Mencap]

I have approached PWSA-UK who are looking into this too - they suggested MENCAP !!

[Sarah_Mencap in reply to caveman60]

That is good to know. I would try calling our helpline and talking to one of our advisors. They are experts in lots of subjects and will be able to talk you through it, or suggest where to go for more help.

An alternative might be to ask somewhere like the Pension Advisory Service for help -pensionsadvisoryservice.org....

They will know a lot of the detail from the pension point of view. pensionsadvisoryservice.org...

I hope this helps. Please let us know how you get on.

Thanks

Sarah