The derivative pension is a benefit that is paid every month to the widow or widower, and disabled children of all civil servants, as well as those who served in the armed forces.

For civil servants who marry after retirement, their eligible widow or widower is entitled to receive a derivative pension that is limited to 20 years from the date of retirement of the pensioner.

For servicemen who marry while in service, their widow or widower is entitled to receive a lifelong derivative pension like the families of other civil servants.

The proposed amendment will address the plight of families of deceased servicemen who marry after they retire, which may be as early as when they turn 40.  These are members who are entitled to a full pension having joined at 18 and served for 21 years.

It is not known how many families of these servicemen will benefit from this new ruling which will take effect next year.

According to a notice from the armed forces veteran’s association sighted by FMT, the Armed Forces Council had decided on the amendment at its meeting in July.

“The order will be issued by the Armed Forces Council after which the relevant laws will be amended. It will be made effective from Jan 1 next year,” it said.