The Supreme Court’s recent judgement in the case of Walker v Innospec changes the law on the payment of death benefits from pension schemes. Opposite-sex and same-sex spouses (including civil partners) must now be treated equally in relation to pension death benefits. While many schemes will already be paying benefits in this way, others will need to review their rules and practices immediately in order to ensure compliance.
Same sex couples granted equal pension rights
The Supreme Court’s recent judgement in the case of Walker v Innospec changes the law on the payment of death benefits from pension schemes. Opposite-sex and same-sex spouses (including civil partners) must now be treated equally in relation to pension death benefits. While many schemes will already be paying benefits in this way, others will need to review their rules and practices immediately in order to ensure compliance.