Fact sheet - Death Benefits
Related leaflets and forms for download
Will there be any benefits paid if I die before retirement?
- Yes, there will be a lump sum payment.
- A pension may also be paid to your dependants.
How much will the lump sum be?
- If you are in service it will be three times your average salary (please see the Average salary fact sheet).
Will a lump sum be paid if I die, if I am out of service but have not retired?
- Yes, a lump sum will be paid.
Will a lump sum be paid if I die after I have retired?
- Only if you die within five years of retirement.
- The lump sum will be five times your annual pension less the amount of pension you have received since you retired.
- A pension may also be paid to your surviving dependants.
Who will receive the death grant?
- The person or persons nominated by you to receive this payment.
- If there is no nomination, your legal spouse, civil partner or nominated partner will receive it.
- If none of these, the payment will be issued to whoever is administering your estate.
How do I nominate someone?
- You may be able to complete a nomination online via My Pension Online, our secure site.
- Alternatively, please refer to Related forms and leaflets or you can ask your employer for a form.
Who can receive a survivors’ pension?
- Your spouse.
- Your registered civil partner.
- Your nominated partner, provided interdependency at the time of your death is proved.
- Your children if they are under 23 and in education.
Can I increase the survivor’s pension?
- Yes, subject to certain conditions you can pay extra contributions to increase your survivor’s pension.
How much will the pension be?
- It will be 1/160th of your average salary for each year of service that counts for survivors’ pensions.
- Each child’s pension is normally paid at the rate of 1/320th of your average salary for each year of service that counts towards their pension.
- Further information is available in the leaflet, Survivor and Death benefits.