1. Child Benefit
1.1. Former participant entitled to a retirement benefit or a disability benefit → child benefit is payable to each child under the age of 21 at the time of separation from service.
1.2. Former participant entitled to an early retirement benefit → child benefit is payable (i) upon reaching normal retirement age, provided that the child is under the age of 21 at that time OR (ii) if the child is disabled, upon eligibility for an early retirement benefit.
1.3. Disabled child benefit → If the child is disabled, a monthly benefit may be payable also after the age of 21.
2. Disability Benefit
A disability benefit is payable to a participant who is found to be incapacitated for further service in a member organization, either in his/her regular job or in some other position reasonably compatible with his/her abilities, and if the illness or injury is likely to be permanent or of long duration.
3. Divorce
1. Divorced Surviving Spouse’s Benefit
Survivor’s benefit is payable if (i) the deceased died in service or was entitled to a retirement, early retirement, deferred retirement or disability benefit at the date of his/her death; (ii) the couple was married for a continuous period of at least ten years during which contributions were paid to the participant’s UNJSPF account; (iii) death occurred within 15 years of the final divorce, unless the participant was under obligation to pay spousal maintenance; (iv) former spouse is at least 40 years old; and (v) there was no renouncement of UNJSPF pension benefit entitlements.
2. Monthly payments of spousal/child support
Article 45 provides a mechanism for assisting in the implementation of court decisions that order participants or former participants to pay spousal/child maintenance or other monthly support payments under divorce settlements or other court decisions.
4. Legal Guardianship
When a retiree/beneficiary is unable to manage his/her financial affairs the Pension Fund requires the appointment of a legal guardian to act on behalf of the retiree/beneficiary by the judicial authority in the retiree’s/beneficiary’s country of residence. In general, the Fund does not recognize appointments of third parties by means of powers of attorney or affidavits.
5. Emergency Fund
Retirees/beneficiaries who are receiving a small monthly periodic benefit from the Pension Fund, and experience a financial hardship due to illness, infirmities of old age, or similar causes, including funeral arrangements, may want to write to the Pension Fund to inquire as to whether or not they could be assisted by the Emergency Fund.
6. Transfer Agreements
The Pension Fund has entered into Transfer Agreements with a number of international organizations and governments. The terms and conditions of the transfer under each Agreement differ.
