The Goodwin case identified that male survivors of opposite-sex marriages and civil partnerships are treated less favourably than survivors in same-sex marriages and civil partnerships. We are working on a method of calculating family benefits service to address this sexual orientation discrimination. Scheme rules will be changed to ensure that:
- the male spouse or civil partner of a female member is treated in the same way as a same-sex spouse or civil partner.
- this change will apply for deaths in respect of female members which occurred from 5 December 2005, which is the date that same-sex civil partnerships were introduced.
You do not need to contact us as we will be writing to affected members in due course once the necessary system changes have been implemented. For further information you can read the Written Ministerial Statement.