Death in retirement
If you die while you are getting a pension, any benefits payable will depend on when you retired and if you have any dependants when you die.
What should the person who is looking after my affairs do?
When you die, it is important that whoever is looking after your affairs lets us know as soon as possible.
We can then stop your pension and put in place any new pensions which are due. This will help us make sure we don't make any overpayments and have to claim back money.
In the event of your death, we will require whoever is looking after your affairs to contact us and to give us the following information:
- Your name, address and date of death
- Your payroll reference number and National Insurance number, these can be found on a recent pay slip or your P60
- The name and address of your next of kin
- The name and address of the person looking after your affairs if they are not your next of kin
- Sight of the death certificate
Alternatively, you can make use of the government's "Tell Us Once" service which allows you to report a death to most government organisations in one go. The Registrar will give you details about this. The video below explains this service:
Lump sum death grant
You can let us know your wishes by filling in an Expression of Wish form.
We make the final decision on whom to pay the lump sum to. Before we make any decision, we will consider any wishes you have expressed, but are not bound by this. Your eligibility for the lump sum grant on your death depends on your age and when you joined the scheme.
Survivor's pension
On your death, pensions will be paid to your:
- Eligible dependent children.
- Your partner, be this a spouse, civil partner, or, if certain conditions are met, eligible cohabiting partner.
The amount of pension is based on how long you were in the scheme, your pay when you retired, and any dependants you leave. The pension will be payable for life to your husband/wife or your civil partner or your cohabiting partner even if they remarry.
Please note, if you got married after you retired, not all your membership may count towards a pension for your husband or wife, civil partner or cohabiting partner.
The amount of a survivor's pension depends on a number of factors.
