The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recently issued an essential information note regarding the 2015 Pension Remedy and its implications for divorce, particularly focusing on Pension Sharing Orders (PSOs). This update is crucial for members eligible for the 2015 Pension Remedy, providing clarity on how divorce and pension sharing will be managed under the new regulations.

Understanding the 2015 Pension Remedy

The 2015 Pension Remedy addresses the pension entitlements of Armed Forces members, particularly those who served between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2022. This period, referred to as "remediable service," is now subject to revised calculations and adjustments to ensure fairness and compliance with recent legal changes.

Key Highlights of the Update:

1. Divorce and Pension Sharing Orders:
   • A PSO is a court order detailing how a pension is divided during divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership.
   • The court requires Cash Equivalent Values (CEVs) to determine the pension division, which reflects the value of the member's pension benefits.
2. Implementation of Pension Sharing Orders:
   • The guidance to calculate and implement PSOs has been updated to comply with the new regulations.
   • Various processes, including technical assessments and system updates, are necessary before the implementation can proceed.
3. Cash Equivalent Values (CEVs):
   • Requests for CEVs from active and deferred members are now being processed, following the completion of the revised calculation methodology.
   • Pensioner members who have made a remedy election and have their pension positions settled can also have their CEV requests processed.
4. Outstanding Guidance and Future Steps:
   • Some guidance for specific scenarios, such as for pensioner members on Transfer Day and those who left service post-March 31, 2024, is still pending.
   • The MOD is working diligently to complete the necessary updates and provide accurate calculations for all affected members.
5. Interim Measures and Communication:
   • Until all processes are in place, interim measures will be adopted, such as issuing legacy benefits without applying pension debits to avoid delays in payments.
   • The MOD will provide further updates as the guidance is reviewed and implemented, ensuring members are informed of their pension positions and any necessary adjustments.

Contact and Further Information

Members with questions or needing assistance can contact the Joint Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC) via the following email or phone numbers:

Joint Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC)
Mail Point 480
Kentigern House
65 Brown Street
Glasgow G2 8EX
Telephone: UK: 0800 085 3600
Outside UK: +44 141 224 3600)
Monday to Friday: 0700 – 1900
Email: dbs-pensionshelp@dbspv.mod.uk

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