Pensions


Pensions are another area where the needs of LGBT+ families need to be considered. An example of best practice is the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which provides equal survivor benefits to both spouses and civil partners, as well as survivor pensions for “nominated co-habiting partners”. Only benefits accrued since 6 April 1988 count, although members can pay additional contributions themselves to extend the period.


A TUC guide on good practice for employers notes that it may be particularly important in the private and voluntary sectors to check that any company pension scheme offers equal pension survivor benefits to same-sex partners and to widowers. It provides a detailed briefing on the issue, LGBT+ workers: good practice criteria for employers, available on the TUC website.