Death in deferment - New Benefits

If you die before normal retirement age and have a deferred pension, the following benefits are payable:

Qualifying spouse or nominated dependant

Your qualifying spouse or nominated dependant will be entitled to half of your deferred pension, with increases, at the date of your death.

Qualifying children

Your qualifying children (up to a maximum of two) will each be entitled to a quarter (half if there is no qualifying spouse) of your deferred pension, with increases, at the date of your death.

Children cease to be eligible for a pension when they reach 18. At the Trustees' discretion, they may continue to receive one until they finish full-time education - which is normally first degree or equivalent.

Discretionary Pensions

If there is no qualifying spouse or nominated dependant, the trustees have discretion to award a pension to any person who was financially dependent on you at the date of your death.

Lump sum cash payment

If no pensions are payable, the Trustees will make a lump sum payment, which is currently free of inheritance tax. It will be equal to five times your deferred pension, with increases, at the date of your death.

The Trustees have discretion over who receives the cash and in what proportion. They will take into account your wishes regarding the choice of beneficiaries, but cannot be bound by them.

The above information refers to the New Benefits section.

Last updated: 22 March 2010


bbc.co.uk navigation

BBC © 2012 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.