Surviving Spouses' and Children's Pensions Scheme
The Surviving Spouses' and Children's Pensions Scheme, formerly known as Widows' and Children's Pensions Scheme, is a contributory scheme which provides pension benefits to the surviving spouse and children of a deceased officer who was a member of the Scheme. The operation of the Scheme is governed by the Surviving Spouses' and Children's Pensions Ordinance, and the Scheme is administered by the Board of Directors of the Surviving Spouses' and Children's Pensions Scheme.
The Scheme became a voluntary scheme in 1993. All pensionable officers may opt to join the Scheme with effect from 1 February 1993. Members who commenced contribution to the Scheme before 1 February 1993 were allowed to opt to cease to contribute to the Scheme within the period 1 February 1993 to 31 July 1993. Those who remain in the Scheme are required to continue their contribution at 3% (or 4% if they so elected earlier) of their monthly salary. New members who opt to join the Scheme on or after 1 February 1993 are required to contribute 3.5% of their monthly salary to the Scheme.
Surviving spouses' and children's pensions are paid to the surviving spouse and dependent children of a deceased employee who is a contributor or a former contributor who has a preserved benefit in the Scheme.