Firefighters RDS modified scheme

Allocation

Allocation is an option to give up part of your pension at retirement to provide, on your death, a pension for a spouse, civil partner, nominated partner or other dependant. It is an old provision which has carried forward to FPS 2006 from earlier versions of the Scheme even though dependants' benefits have improved, over the years, from their original levels.

An election to allocate must be given no later than the day before benefits become payable and no earlier than 2 months before. It is subject to medical evidence of good health and normal life expectancy. The amount provided as a pension on allocation depends upon the age and sex of the firefighter and of the nominee.

The fire and rescue authority's pensions administrator can give you a personalised quote before your pension becomes due if you are interested in this option.