The NASUWT opposes the continuing discrimination against women, civil partners and same sex married couples in the provision of Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) survivor benefits (sometimes known as family benefits) and continues to campaign against this discrimination.

The following pension survivor benefits are paid to survivors of men and women members of the TPS who are opposite sex spouses:

• Benefits for widows-backdated to 1 April 1972
• Benefits for widowers-backdated to 6 April 1988

The following pension survivor benefits are paid to survivors of men and women members of the TPS who are opposite sex spouses:

• Benefits for widows-backdated to 1 April 1972
• Benefits for widowers-backdated to 6 April 1988

The following pension survivor benefits are paid to survivors of men and women members of the TPS who are same sex spouses or civil partners:

• Benefits for civil partners-backdated to 6 April 1988
• Benefits for same sex married couples-backdated to 6 April 1988

The current situation is that same sex married couples and civil partners are treated less favourably than some opposite sex married couples in respect of survivor benefits.

The benefits for same sex married couples and civil partners are equal with those of opposite sex married partners but only in respect of those for widowers, which include any service since 6 April 1988, rather than for widows, which include service from 1 April 1972.