What happens to my pension when I die?

What happens to my State Pension when I die?

Your State Pension will normally stop being paid when you die. But sometimes, your husband, wife, or civil partner (if you have one) could inherit some of your State Pension. This depends on:

• the amount of National Insurance contributions you both made and
• when you both reached, or will reach, State Pension age.

It is only possible for a spouse or civil partner to inherit a State Pension.

Find out if your spouse or civil partner could inherit some of your State Pension by using this GOV.UK tool.  

What happens to my workplace or private pension when I die?

What happens to a workplace or private pension after you die depends on the type of pension you have. Your beneficiaries could receive money in different ways – check with your pension provider what the rules are and what options you have. A beneficiary is someone you've chosen to receive the money.

After you die, the person dealing with your affairs should contact your pension provider to find out what to do next.

Visit Money Helper for information about what happens to different types of pensions when you die.  

How to tell pension schemes who should inherit your pension

Most private and workplace pension schemes ask you to choose who you want to leave your pension to. This is called nominating a beneficiary, and you may need to fill in what's called an Expression of Wish or Nomination form. It's important to keep this information up to date.

Visit Money Helper to find out more about nominating beneficiaries.  

Taking your pension early because of terminal illness

Taking your workplace or private pension early

If you have a workplace or private pension, you may be able to take your pension early because you're ill. This is known as ill-health retirement. Each pension scheme has different rules for for accessing your pension early, so it's best to contact your pension provider for information.

There might also be certain rules if you have a terminal illness. If you've been told your life expectancy is less than one year, you might be able to take all your pension as a tax-free lump sum.

Taking your State Pension early

You cannot take your State Pension before you reach State Pension age. But you might be able to get other benefits – visit our benefits calculator to see what you could be entitled to.

Check your State Pension age at GOV.UK.  

Things to think about before taking your pension early

There are some important things to consider before taking your pension early:

• If you have an income protection plan (also called permanent health insurance), check if income from your pension could reduce payments from the income protection plan. Check with your HR or pensions department before making any decisions.
• Check whether accessing your pension could affect your eligibility for any benefits. Visit our benefits section for information on eligibility, and who to contact for more information.

It's important to get expert, independent financial advice before making these kind of financial decisions. Visit Money Helper to find out more about ill-health retirement, and where to get more advice.  

Where to get pensions advice and further support

• Money Helper   provides free and impartial advice about pensions.
• Citizens Advice   has trained advisers you can speak to and provides information on your rights, including pensions, benefits, housing, employment, debt, consumer and legal issues. Search the site for your nearest bureau in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Macmillan Cancer Care   has financial guides you can speak to, and provides practical, medical and financial information and support for people affected by cancer.
• The Pensions Ombudsman  – an independent organisation set up by law to investigate complaints or disputes about pensions schemes.
• Contact your pension provider – their contact details should be on any letters they've sent you.

The Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 can help with general information about benefits and finances.

Useful websites

Money Helper – information about what happens to your pension when you die.  

Money Helper – information about what happens to State Pensions when someone dies.  

Money Helper – information for family, friends, or anyone dealing with someone's pension after they've died.  

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