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The Pensions Division of the Treasury is responsible for payment of all pensions and retirement gratuities, including civil pensions payable under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the New Pension Scheme (NPS), the Judicial Officers Scheme (JOS), the dependant pensions payable under the Widows and Orphans Pension Scheme (WOPS) and the Surviving Spouses' and Children's Pensions Scheme (SSCPS), Volunteer and Defence Force Pension Schemes.

	Payment of pension Pensions are payable monthly in arrears and in Hong Kong dollars. If payment is required in a currency other than Hong Kong dollars, the currency will be calculated at the prevailing rate of exchange inclusive of transfer and other charges. There are three different key methods available for payment of pensions:
		Local Payment Autopay is available for payment of pensions to bank accounts in Hong Kong. Under this payment method, pensions will be paid to the pensioner's bank account on the last working day of each month and the pensioner is required to complete and have witnessed an Annual Declaration of Entitlement to show that he/she is still entitled to the pension. Pensioner may opt to receive pension payments in cash in person at designated post office.
		Remittance to Mainland China Pension can be remitted to the pensioner's bank account or home address in Mainland China. Under this payment method, the pensioner is required to complete and have witnessed a claim form not earlier than the last day of each month or period in respect of which the pension is claimed. Bank and postage charges will be deducted from the pension. Normally, it takes about two weeks for the Treasury to effect payment to the pensioner after receipt of the claim form from the pensioner.
		Overseas Payment The pension can be paid to an overseas bank account through the Crown Agents Bank (the Agent). Under this payment method, the Agent will charge a commission per pension payment. The commission will be deducted from the monthly pension. The pensioner is required to complete and have witnessed an Annual Declaration of Entitlement to the Agent to show that he/she is still entitled to the pension.
	As payment of pension ceases upon the pensioner's death, the family of the deceased pensioner should inform the Pensions Enquiry Office of the Treasury of the death of the pensioner as early as possible.
	If the deceased pensioner was a contributor/former contributor of the Widows and Orphans Pension Scheme and the Surviving Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme, his/her eligible dependant will be entitled to the dependant pension benefits.

	Payment of pension increase Pension payments are subject to adjustment in accordance with the Pensions (Increase) Ordinance (Cap 305). If the average monthly Consumer Price Index (A) of the period of 12 months beginning on 1 April of the previous year and ending on 31 March of the succeeding year, exceeds the average monthly Consumer Price Index (A) of the period of 12 months immediately preceding that first mentioned period by an amount which when expressed as a percentage exceeds 0.1%, the Chief Executive shall declare a percentage of increase equal to the excess expressed as a percentage. The rates of pension increase for the past eight years are as follows: With effect from % increase 1.4.2011 3.2% 1.4.2010 0.8% 1.4.2009 2.5% 1.4.2008 2.5% 1.4.2007 1.5% 1.4.2006 1.4% 1.4.2005 0.5% 1.4.2004 0.0%
	Issue of statements The following major statements will be issued to pensioners and deferred pensioners:
		Payment advice Hard copy payment advice will be issued to pensioner (a) at the time of first payment of pension and (b) as and when there is change of pension payment. For those who have opted for receiving pension statement by email, payment advice for every payment will be sent to the pensioners' email address registered with us.
		IR56C IR56C Return for Pension for the each financial year ended 31 March will be issued, around April, to those who receive pension payment in the relevant period.
		Statement of Pension Benefit (Deferred Pension) This statement will be issued, around July each year, to inform deferred pensioner of his/her up-to-date entitlement to pension benefits prior to receipt of actual pension benefits.
	Updating of pensioners' personal particulars in Medical and Dental Benefits Eligibility Checking System (ECS) After implementation of the Medical and Dental Benefits Eligibility Checking System (ECS) in 2008, eligible pensioners covered by the ECS are no longer required to present a treatment application form when they attend the designated facilities. They only need to advise counter staff of designated facilities that they are eligible for civil service medical and dental benefits and produce valid proof of identity for their inspection. The latter will check their eligibility through the ECS. Eligible pensioners should inform the Treasury promptly of any changes in personal particulars of themselves and their dependants (e.g. their marital status, the education status and physical or mental infirmity status of their dependent children at the age of 19 or 20) for updating the ECS database.