Your dependant(s) may be entitled to receive benefits from the Scheme in the event of your death. This might include a lump sum (only if you die within five years of retiring from the Scheme), a dependant’s pension, children's pensions, and a bereavement grant.
You can nominate who you would wish to receive the lump sum death benefit payable from the Scheme by completing a Letter of Intent form. You can also nominate someone to receive any dependant pension payable as long as the person is financially dependent or interdependent on you.
What's the process?
Dependant's pension
The Scheme pays a dependant’s pension to your spouse, civil partner or other nominated dependant for the rest of their life. If you’re not married or in a civil partnership, and left service after 1 October 1987, you can nominate:
- a partner
- an aged parent
- a disabled child who can’t support themselves financially
What's the process?
1If you're married we'll ask for the following so we can set up a dependant's pension, and pensions for any eligible children:
- Death certificate (photocopy)
- Birth and marriage certificates (originals or certified copies)
- Bank form
Keep your nomination forms updated.
Lump sum
A lump sum is paid if you die within the first five years of your first pension payment.
It will be the amount you would have been paid as a pension over the remaining years up to that five-year mark.
What's the process?
Bereavement grant
This is a one-off payment of £1,000, payable on the death of a pensioner who was a retired employee, to help towards immediate funeral expenses.
It’s paid by the Trustees, which means there isn’t any liability for Inheritance Tax.
If it’s needed to cover funeral costs, the Trustees will pay it directly to the funeral director. If funeral expenses are already provided for, the benefit will be paid to a beneficiary or beneficiaries chosen by the Trustees.
When we write to your next of kin we'll include a bereavement grant form.
Death of a Dependant
If you die while receiving a dependant's pension: