Normal ex-spouse Pension Age for shared AFPS.

About the age a new ex-spouse/pension credit member can take an AFPS pension:
the info published on the websites unclear?
eg
www.rafcom.co.uk/pay_allowances/pdf/PCM-...e-Promulgationv4.pdf

"pension sharing Order (PSO)
[Once a PSO is made, the serving or former member of the Armed Forces becomes a Pension Debit Member (PDM) and their former spouse or civil partner becomes a Pension Credit Member (PCM).]

Age when benefits can be claimed
From 6 April 2009, the earliest age when the PCM can claim their pension is 55.
PCMs whose PSOs were made before 6 April 2009, and who were expecting to have to wait until either age 60 or 65 to claim their pension benefits, now have the option to have their pension actuarially reduced and paid from age 55, or immediately if already over age 55."

Does that mean from April 6 2009 any PCM has a "normal retirement age" of 55 - ie will get access to the full pension at age 55 and not be paid an actuarially reduced pension - ie age 55 is now the normal retirement age for a PCM of the AFPS?
Or - does it mean that from April 6 2009 the PCM can take their pension at age 55 but that will still be treated as taking the pension early and result in reduced pension payments?

Maggie

Some months ago I read the Act that contained the change that allowed former spouse of forces personnel to draw their pension from 55 rather than 60. (Very dry reading it was too.) I have been going through my Acts and White Papers and other legal bumf but can't put my hand to it immediately.

My impression was that you can have a full share at 60, or an actuarially reduced share at 55 (same amount of money in pension pot but has to last longer - so assumption is fair)but I can't quote the relevant section just now.

However you could ring Ketigern House on Tuesday and ask them: 0800 085 3600.

Would you let us know the answer please??

Correct, unreduced pensions from age 55.