To ensure our membership arrangements remain fair, relevant, and fit for the needs of today’s Armed Forces pension community, we have updated our membership rules regarding spouses and partners. These changes clarify when a separate membership subscription is required and will help us provide a more personalised service to members who use our pension enquiry service. Our rules state:
2.3 A member’s current spouse or partner is also eligible to become a member without additional fee if not making use of the pension enquiry service, subject only to registration.
2.4 Spouses or partners are required to apply for their own membership and must pay a membership subscription if they are an Armed Force Pension Scheme member and wish to use the pension enquiry service for their own Armed Forces pension.
Why have we made this change?
Fairness for all of our members.
We believe it is no longer fair for single members to pay the same subscription as couples where both partners use the pension enquiry service. The original “free partner” rules dates back to 1946, when only servicemen required pension guidance and their spouses/ partners benefited later as dependants. Today, our membership is more diverse, including military couples who both seek guidance from our Forces Pensions Consultants.
Better service for couples
Currently, only the lead record holder can create login details to submit pension enquiries online. By requiring individual memberships where both partners use the pension enquiry service, each member will have their own login, access to the members’ area, and direct communications (publications, alerts, and invitations). This will make the service smoother and more personalised for both partners.
What happens next?
If your spouse/partner does not intend to use the pension enquiry service, no action is required, and they may remain a joint record holder at no extra cost. This provides access to a range of benefits, including our affinity partner offers such as private medical insurance, travel insurance, discounted language learning apps, and more. With the permission of the Armed Forces pension scheme member, they may also engage with our Forces Pensions Consultants on the member’s behalf.
If your spouse/ partner has an Armed Forces pension of their own and wishes to use the pension enquiry service, they will need to take out their own membership before our Forces Pensions Consultants can provide guidance. If your spouse/ partner would like to take out their own membership, please contact our membership team at memsec@forpen.co.uk to proceed.
