Restoration of Reversionary Pension

A change in the law, which comes into effect 1 January 2008, means that widows and widowers of deceased Australian Government public service employees and Australian Defence Force members who lost their pension when they remarried can now apply to have it fully restored.

The Superannuation Act 1922, the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Act 1948 and the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Act 1973 have been amended to prospectively restore spouse pensions for remarried widows and widowers.

Prior to 1976 (or 1977 in respect of the two milit ary schemes), pensions paid under these schemes to the spouse of a deceased member were ceased when the spouse re-married (although some pensions were later fully or partially restored where the spouse could show that they were in necessitous circumstances or that it was otherwise warranted).

If you, or someone you know, lost their pension as a result of remarrying, we encourage you to find out more about applying to restore that pension by calling ComSuper on 1300 001 877 as soon as possible.

People who have previously had their pension partially restored should also contact ComSuper so that their benefit can be fully restored.

Pension payments for approved applicants will commence from 1 January 2008 or from the date the application is received at ComSuper, whichever is later.

The amount of pension payable will be calculated having regard to adjustments in the consumer price index (and if appropriate, its earlier equivalent) that have occurred since the cancellation of the pension.

The application form has been designed to assist ComSuper in determining the eligibility of claimants. It is important that all details and documents requested be provided where held or available. Given the passage of time since pensions were cancelled ComSuper anticipates that the approval process for some applications may take some time whilst entitlements are verified.

For more information see:

• Restoration of Reversionary Pension Fact Sheet PDF (235KB)
• DFRDB Restoration of Reversionary Pension Fact Sheet PDF (244KB)
• Benefit Application Form PDF (245KB)
• DFRDB Benefit Application Form PDF (380KB)

(Download the above files by either clicking on each link or, Right Click on a link and Save Target As... then follow the prompts.)