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 happens when I 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:
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Your name, address and date of death
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Your payroll reference number and National Insurance number, these can be found on a recent pay slip or your P60
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The name and address of your next of kin
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The name and address of the person looking after your affairs if they are not your next of kin
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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. Watch a video explaining how the "Tell Us Once" service works.
Who will get my benefits?
Lump sum death grant
You can let us know your wishes by filling in an Expression of Wish form (see 'Resources' section).
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.
Survivor's pensions
Survivor's pensions are payable to your husband/wife or your civil partner or cohabiting partner.
If you would like benefits to be paid to a cohabiting partner, they will need to meet certain conditions.
Children's pensions
Children's pensions are payable to any eligible dependent children you may have when you die.
Please contact us if you want to know more.
Lump sum death payment
A lump sum may be payable if you die, it will depend on when you left the LGPS, when you retired and how many years pension you have received.
If you left after 31 March 2009, a lump sum may be payable if you die before you have taken ten years' pension.
If you left the LGPS between 1 April 1998 and 31 March 2009, a lump sum may be payable if you die before you have taken five years' pension.
If you left before 1 April 1998 and are receiving your pension, a death grant may be paid when you die. The calculation is complex and you should contact us if you need more information.
If you die on or after age 75, no lump sum can be paid.
Survivor's pension
On your death, pensions will be paid to your:
- Eligible dependent children.
- 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.
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 - please contact us for the details applicable to your circumstances.