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Annex B
(h)
subject to the conditions set out in the Pensions Ordinance (Cap 89), pension benefits under the old pension scheme will be payable as of right.
CHANGES MADE TO THE WIDOWS' AND CHILDREN'S PENSIONS SCHEME AND THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME
5.
The New Pension Scheme will not affect the level of benefits payable under the Widows' and Children's Pensions Scheme (WCPS) and the Widows and Orphans Pension Scheme (WOPS). It should be noted that, like officers who retire from the service with an eligibility for pension, officers who resign with an eligiblity for a deferred pension under the NPS will not be eligible for refund of his W&C contributions if he has a wife at the time of his resignation from service, but his wife and dependants will continue to enjoy coverage under the WCPS.
6.
The opportunity is also taken to introduce a number of minor changes to the provisions of the WCPS and WOPS. These are set out in Annex B.
OPTION FOR THE NEW PENSION SCHEME (NPS)
Eligibility to opt for the New Pension Scheme
7.
Officers who are serving as at 1 July 1987 on terms which attract pension benefits may apply to join the New Pension Scheme, but those who have already served notice of retirement/resignation and proceeded on pre-retirement/ pre-resignation leave on 1 July 1987 will not be allowed in the normal circumstances to withdraw their notice and may only apply to join the new scheme for the purpose of computation of retirement benefits. The Secretary for the Civil Service may reject an application if he is of opinion that to allow the officer to exercise the option would prejudice the interests of the public service.
8.
An option to join the New Pension Scheme is
irrevocable.
The option period
9.
Serving officers who wish to apply to join the NPS must do so within the option period specified below :-
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