Children's pensions

Police Pension Scheme 1987 (PPS 1987)

If you die your children will receive a pension if they are eligible, which depends on your circumstances and your children's circumstances both at your death and when you left service or opted out.

Who can receive a child's pension?

Children's pensions may be paid to:

  • children of your marriage, if you married before left service or opted out of the PPS
  • stepchildren who are substantially dependent on you, if you married their parent before you left service or opted out
  • children you adopted before you left service or opted out
  • any other child who's related to you or is a child of your spouse and who was substantially dependent on you when you left service or opted out and at your death
  • children must usually be under age 17
Circumstances when pension will be paid
Under 16

In all cases.

16 to under 17

In all cases except where the child is in full time employment (other than vocational training).

17 to under 19

  • Child is in full time education or vocational training or
  • Child is permanently disabled and
    • substantially dependent on relevant parent when parent died or
    • became permanently disabled while receiving a child's pension or
    • the police authority determines that the pension should be paid

19 to under 23

One of the following must apply:

  • Child is in full time education or vocational training and
    • has been continuously since before 19th birthday or
    • authority has waived need for continuity
  • Child is permanently disabled and
    • substantially dependent on relevant parent when parent died or
    • became permanently disabled while receiving a child's pension or
    • the police authority determines that the pension should be paid

23 or over

Pension may continue for life for a child who is permanently disabled.

Amount of children's pensions

How much eligible children will receive depends on how many children are eligible for a pension, and whether or not a pension is payable to a spouse or civil partner.

A child's pension may be reduced if he or she is paid for vocational training.

Eligible children who have a surviving parent

  • If you have one or two eligible children, each child will receive 18.75% of your pension
  • If you have three or more eligible children, they will receive 37.5% of your pension shared between them

Eligible children who do not have a surviving parent

  • If you have one or two eligible children, each one will receive 25% of your pension
  • If you have three or more eligible children, they will receive 50% of your pension shared between them
  • If you die in service or once you're receiving your pension, your children's pensions may be increased if no spouse's or civil partner's pension is due