Most NHS pension scheme members focus on the retirement fund that comes with their pension. But did you know that it also provides valuable benefits to spouses, civil partners, partners and dependent children on the death of an NHS pension scheme member? Most people don’t!
These lump sum and pension benefits are included in the cost of the superannuation scheme for all NHS pension members. They vary slightly depending between the 1995, 2008 and 2015 schemes. 
So how much is your next of kin entitled to? I’m afraid there isn’t a simple answer. It depends on how you practice medicine and what NHS pension scheme you are in.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves!
First things first, who’s eligible?
For your next of kin to be eligible for your NHS Pension entitlement, certain criteria have to be met. You need to:
- Be married, in a registered civil partnership or with a qualifying partner.
- Be a member of the NHS Pension Scheme for a minimum of 2 years.
- Meet further criteria
- if you are not married or in a civil partnership, e.g. living together in an exclusive relationship as if they were husband and wife or civil partners, and fill in a nomination form for your qualifying partner.
You can nominate someone else to receive your death-in-service lump sum. For instance if you are unmarried and have no dependent children, but you MUST complete the nominations form. These can be found on the below websites:
For England and Wales: Nominations | NHSBSA
For Scotland: Nominations | SPPA
Failure to make this nomination could mean your payment could be paid to your estate and be subject to inheritance tax.
What benefits can be paid if you ARE eligible?
In essence the key benefits of the life cover provided by the NHS to active NHS Pension Scheme members are:
1. Payment of a lump sum – This is where it gets a bit more complicated! The income figure used in this calculation varies slightly between the 1995, 2008 and 2015 schemes, but essentially its 2 x your pensionable pay.
For the finer details and to check which income is used by your pension section please refer to the NHS Pensions – Survivors Guide. These benefits are income tax free.
2. Dependent’s pension – your widow, widower, civil partner or nominated partner will receive 50% of your accrued NHS pension in the 1995 scheme, 37.55% in the 2008 scheme and 33.75% in the 2015 scheme, for the rest of their life. This will kick in 6 months after death. Until that time they will continue to receive your full salary.
3. Children’s pension – paid until age 23. There are some exceptions to it ending at this age. For instance if they are aged 23 or over and incapable of earning a living due to permanent physical or mental infirmity from which he/she was suffering at the time the member died.
How much is paid out varies slightly depending on which pension section you are in. It’s limited to 2 children at any one time. If you have 3 children, child 3 will receive the pension when child 1 no longer qualifies.
Per child – it is equivalent to 25% of the member’s accrued Tier 2 Ill Health Retirement pension benefit at the time of death in the 1995 scheme, 18.75% each child in the 2008 section, and 16.875% in the 2015 section. Again full details can be found on the NHS Pension – Survivors Guide.
Not contributing to the pension scheme when you die, but you are employed by the NHS
You still qualify for a death-in-service lump sum payment, which is once again tax free. The death lump sum payable will be based on the annual pension you would have received had you retired on the date of death, and the pension scheme section you are a member of:
- 1995 section: A lump sum of 3x your annual pension is payable
- 2008 section: A lump sum of 2.25x your annual pension is payable
- 2015 scheme: a lump sum of 2.025x your annual pension is payable.
Rules to be aware of!
1. Losing benefits: If you have not completed a nomination at your time of death and your partner or the person you want to benefit after your death does not fall into the recognised categories they will not receive any benefits.
The nomination form CANNOT be completed on your behalf after your death so do not delay and follow the above links to address this now.
2. Inheritance tax: Normally inheritance tax is not payable on benefits if a member is married or in a civil partnership etc. and payment is made to the deceased members legal spouse or civil partner. It potentially IS liable to inheritance tax if the member is single or if it is paid to a nominee of another type.
3. In all circumstances, any lump sum must be paid within two years of the date that the scheme was first notified of the member’s death. After two years the lump sum will be subject to a tax charge of up to 45%.
4. If the payment of death-in-service benefits causes you to exceed the lifetime allowance then the excess will be subject to a tax charge. Your beneficiary is legally responsible for paying any LTA charge due
5. If you are a freelance GP Locum or bank staff and do not die while within your contractual hours you will not benefit from ‘in pensionable service’ benefits. Your dependents may benefit from the payments noted above for non scheme members.
For greater detail on this please see our article: GP Locums: Will you get death in service benefit?
6. If you are already in receipt of your NHS retirement pension and die there are no further lump sums payable to your estate.
The NHS pension scheme has a long tradition of taking care of dependents of their members when the worst happens, however, as you can see, it can be a complicated topic. But there are some simple truths:
- If in doubt, complete the nomination forms as soon as humanly possible. You can change them later if your situation alters, but if you die no one can respectively complete them for you.
- No amount of money will make up for the loss of a loved one, but receiving some form of pension benefit can reduce stress and allow you time and space to think.
If you feel your family will need more than these benefits consider topping them up with life protection or even Critical illness with terminal cover. Not all policies are the same so always take independent specialist advice before making any decisions.
As always, we are here to help. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.
If you have specific queries following the death of a loved one we also strongly suggest calling the NHSPS bereavement line on 0300 3301 346.
Have you made your pension nomination? Lets us know by leaving a comment below
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in June 2014 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
What happens when a family member dies, they had special needs and was not explained about adding nominee to receive the payment, where can I take this higher as they had next of kin
Hi Susan, The Death in service benefits vary a little depending on which scheme you are a member of. If married/civil partnership there is normally no need for a nomination. If you have a partner where there is a financial dependency or inter dependency then it is advisable to complete the nomination form. If this has not been completed then I would suggest contacting the NHS pensions agency. The following document explains the death in service benefits on the last page http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Documents/Pensions/nhs_pd_changes_in_detail.pdf
Hello hope someone can help. My father has informed me he has left his nhs pension to me in his will. He has been retired about 5 years now. But I’m still not sure what he means when he has left his pension to me?
Any help on understanding this would be great.
Hi Josh
The NHS pension provides a pension on death to the members eligible spouse, civil partner or qualifying partner. There is a dependents pension, but only in very unusual circumstances is this paid for life, it normally would finish at an age stated by the NHS ( circa age 23). The link may help, in particular p39. http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Documents/Pensions/SD_Guide_(V16)_04.2016_-_Digital.pdf
hi
my son died last year while working as a physio in the NHS, his wife was pregnant and the baby has just been born , however when she has tried to register him for the childrens pension it has been turned down as he was not dependant at the time of my sons death. This seems a bit harsh. Is there anything we can do to appeal this.
Dear Mrs Hawcroft
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have looked into this matter and was wondering if you could give me a call on 07771 862587.
Kind Regards
Max
Hi.
I am on nhs pension , I am single . Ive been paying nhs pension for 15 years.Is it possible that my mom who is 70 years old would receive my pension , or am I just wasting my money paying nhs pension?
Hi Myrah.
The NHS provide death in service benefits and you would be able to nominate your mother. The NHS pension is aimed at providing you with an income in retirement. It can provide for a spouse or somebody who you have been in a financially dependent relationship for at least two years as well as dependent children. It would not provide a pension for your mother. This is not to say that the pension is a waste of money as it provides numerous benefits to yourself. The NHS has a good factsheet on the various benefits that the pension scheme offers. I hope this helps.
REgards
Max
My brothers wife died suddenly, she had only been working for the NHS for 5 months would she have been entitled to death in service pension.
I am sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Typically speaking the death in service requires at least two years service, but they may be entitled to a death gratuity lump sum. You should contact the pensions agency for more details.
Kind regards
Max
Hi, I have undergone treatment for breast cancer and just returned to work after a year. I have paid into NHS superannuation scheme for 23 years. I have no children , or partner. I know that I will not live to retirement age. Will NHS pension provide a lump sum on my death that would cover any debts and or funeral costs? Or should I stop paying now and have money whilst I am still alive. Thank you
Dear Louise,
I am very sorry to hear about your situation. As you can imagine it is difficult to give advice without knowing the full details. The NHS offers a serious ill health lump sum and an ill health pension which should be considered before you make any decisions about coming out of the scheme. The details can be found at the following link http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Documents/Pensions/2015_Members_Guide_(V4)_03.2016_-_digital.pdf
We wish you all the best
Kind Regards
L&M team
Hello I wonder if you could point me in right direction. I finished work in May 2016 due to ill health and I have just been granted my nhs pension tier 2. I’m in a bit of a quandary as to whether it would be advisable to take an addition lump sum from my pension and take a smaller yearly pension. I know this will obviously differ due to circumstances but just wondered what the general advice would be
Many thanks for any help you can give
Hi Susan
This type of advice is very personalised so it is not something we would make recommendations on without knowing the full details. We would always suggest putting together a detailed list of your expenditure, therefore giving you an idea of what income you require. This can act as your starting point as you would not wish to reduce your income below this point. The NHS pension is indexed and this is a valuable benefit so you need to give careful consideration before relinquishing it for a one off payment.
Kind REgards
Max
Hello. I work for the NHS but I have grade 3 Cancer.I am currently on sick leave. I may have to leave work. What will happen to my pension.I have worked for the NHS for 11 years.
Dear Nisha
I am sorry to hear about yur situation. I would suggest that you contact the NHS pensions agency or your local pensions officer and discuss whether the ill health pension is appropriate in your circumstances. The number for the helpline is 03003301346.
Wishing you all the best for the future.
Legal and Medical Team
My mother died and I am entitled to child allowance but I am 23 now should i still get paid until I turn 24?
Dear Paul
The normal payment of a dependents pension is until age 23. There are a few exceptions to this rule. If you wish confirmation you can contact the NHS Pensions agency.
Kind Regards
Max
Hi
My fiancé and I are both NHS employees. When we retire and one of us dies does their pension automatically continue to be paid to the surviving partner or does this stop when they die?
Dear Alison
The NHS have a dependents/spousal option. This means that when one of you passes away the other would receive a dependents pension, although at a reduced level. If you are are not married or in a civil partnership then it is a little more complex. The details can be found on the NHS pension website http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions. You will need to look in the appropriate scheme guide.
Kind Regards
Max
Good morning
I retired in 1992 with an ill-health retirement pension. I took the larger lump sum available at the time. This was uprated when I reached the age of 60. Will this affect any pension paid to my widow when I die? I joined the scheme in 1969.
Many thanks
Dear Dr Burgess,
I hope the phone call from Nigel resolved your questions.
Kind Regards
Max
Hi I wonder if you could help, my mother worked for the health service for number of years and she been retired for over twenty years but just died few days ago, but my father died 3 months ago, so what I am asking will she have a death payment due from her pension as she got No children under 23 and I am sorting out her estate as a rep of her will, I have contacted the pensions dept to inform them of her death.
Dear Mr Barker
I am sorry to hear of the loss of both your parents. You have done the right thing and spoken to the NHS pension agency and I believe they will confirm that no lump sum or dependents pension will be payable.
Kind Regards
Max
I’m a right in thinking that the 2015 scheme that we were all moved to if I die my pension goes to my husband. I have a son who has autism once he is 23 can i remove my husband and put son as my beneficiary as he has autism and we feel he would benefit from my pension as my not work when older due to disability. I also have money frozen in the 95 scheme can i do same with that one
Hi Michelle,
Its not a question of you choosing who gets to recieve the benefits, these are laid down by scheme. There are cases where the chidrens benefit can be paid out past age 23. This is detailed on p38 of the scheme booklet and states, “If the child remains unable to earn a living due to a condition which existed at the date of your death, the childrens pension can be paid indefinitely”
Kind REgards
Max
Hi
My mother passed away unexpectedly in December at the age of 52. She had not been in employment for around 10 years or so however she used to be a member of the NHS pension scheme and she definitely had at least 4 years service. After speaking to the bereavement department they sent me a letter through the post informing me that there was no money owed from the estate.
This has confused me. Being a DB scheme I was expecting there to be some sort of death lump sum, especially with a few years of service. She never filled out a nomination form however she does have a civil partner. Could you help me please?
Dear Tom,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. The death in service lump sum is payable whilst a member of the scheme and for a short period after leaving. The pension has a dependendents section, and can cover registered civil partnerships based on membership from 6th April 1988. If this is the case i would suggest your late mothers civil partner contact the pensions agency.
Kind Regards
Max
My wife was a nurse in the nhs for about 20 years before she was medically retired on the grounds of ill health. She is 50 now and has been receiving her pension for about 10 years.
Her health has been deteriorating recently and we wanted to know what benefit I would receive in the event of her passing away.
Thanks
Dear Steve,
I think the most appropriate course of action would be to speak directly to the NHS pension scheme. There are a number of factors that can influence the spousal pension. I expect you require an exact amount for your financial planning and only the pensions agency will be able to provide this.
Kind Regards
L&M Team
A relative of mine (an NHS employee) recently passed away. I understand that he was part of the 2008 scheme. The deceased was single, and thus nominated another relative to receive his death in service lump sum benefit. The NHS informed me that this pay-out should be included in the deceased’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. Does that accord with your understanding of the scheme? I was under the impression that the vast majority of death in service pay-outs were free from inheritance tax (possibly due to their discretionary nature).
Hi Michael
Inheritance tax is the responsibility of the HMRC and the death in service benefits can be liable to IHT if the member is single. Probably not the answer you are looking for, sorry.
Kind Regards
L&M team
I am married but want to nominate my 24 year old son to receive any benefits if I die in service. Is this possible?
Dear Helga,
You would be able to nominate your son for the lump sum, although the spousal pension is not assignable.
Kind Regards
L&M team
My wife died 4 years ago, (78 years old) and I have been unable to claim a widows pension from the scheme. Could she have (i) signed a disclaimer, (ii) accepted a higher pension, but with no spouse pension if she dies? Are there any other reason this could have happened?
Dear Roger,
The only thing i can think of, is there was a period where there were no spousal options on pensions for females. To my knowledge there were no disclaimers or the ability to accept higher pensions. Am i right in thinking that you have spoken to the pensions agency?
Kind Regards
L&M team
I am in receipt of a nhs nursing pension, I’m 68 years old and want to know could my husband put a claim into the nhs pensions when I pass away.
Hi Janet,
I think you may be reffering to the benefits your husband would recieve on your passing. He is likely to be eligible for a spousal pension. The amount that he is entitled to can be ascertained by speaking to the NHS pensions agency. It may also be detailed on correspondence that you have recieved from the NHS pensions agency.
Kind Regards
L&M team
Hi,
Mum my worked in the NHS for 30+ years and was diagnosed with cancer in January. She was advised to not take her pension as she would get 4 x the pay out. Do you know if this is correct? Sadly she passed away last week. I understand my dad get part of the pension and then there is a tax free lump sum as well? Thanks in advance. Richard
Dear Richard,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. It is difficult to give information without knowing the full details of your circumstances. There is normally full pay for a few months at which point there would be a spousal pension and possibly a tax free element. The NHS offer a bereavement line which is very helpful. Your father would be well advised to contact them in order to get accurate information. If you phone 0300 3301 346, they will be able to put you through to the appropriate department.
Kind Regards
L&M Team
Hi,
My mother passed away in 2012 and my father passed away in 2013. I was paid the child allowance part of both pensions till I turned 23. However, I continued to study full time at university till the age of 24.
My mother had received her pension for 5 years, however my father did not receive his pension for 5 years. I was the only child to both parents.
I was not told until recently that I could have potentially been entitled to the child allowance payments till I graduated.
Is there anything I can do to reclaim the money I would have been entitled to?
Hi
Typically the dependents pension is only payable to age 23. There are a couple of sceanrios where this can be extended. I would speak to the pensions agency to see if you should have been entitled to the pension past age 23. Needless to say it is not as simple as the fact that you were in higher education at this point.
Kind Regards
Max
Hello,
My late mother and father also had a dependent grandchild who lived with them and was cared for primarily by them.
Would that dependant grandchild be entitled to their pension?
What is considered a dependant grandchild?
Hi there
A dependent child can be a grandchild under the terms of the pension scheme.
Benefits are usually paid to a maximum age of 23 but:
“If the child is aged 23 and over and unable to earn their own living due to a permanent physical or mental condition, which they were suffering at the time the member died, the child will be treated as a dependent child for as long as they remain incapable of earning a living.”
To make a claim form AW158 needs to be completed.
Best wishes owen
Hi my husband cashed in his pension 3 years ago at the age of 56 he was given a lump sum and monthly payments he had paid in membership for 15 and a half years he was part of the 1995 scheme he has sadly recently passed away as his wife of 27 years am I entitled to any lump some or monthly payments if so how long to them payments last
Many thanks
Kellie
Dear Kellie,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. You should be entitled to a spousal pension that is payable for your lifetime. I would suggest you speak to the pensions agency who have a bereavement team. They will be able to provide you with the exact details. I hope this helps.
Kind Regards
Legal and Medical Team.
my mom died in 2005. my dad currently recieves the widows pension.but at the time of death myself was 21 and my sister was 20.we never recieved any childrens payments.
Dear Sarah,
Although the dependents pension is typically now payable to age 23, it has not always been this way. Previously the dependents pension was payable to age 18, with further payments made if the dependent remained in education.
Kind Regards
L&M team
Hi, my partner of 15 years worked for the NHS for 13 years but retired on ill health one and a half years ago. He accepted & received the tier 1 payout. He has recently passed away without leaving a will. He nominated myself to receive a survivers pension on his Death in Service but he did not fill the PN1 after retiring on ill health. His children and myself are now questioning if I am still entitled to the survivers pension or if any money will go to his estate.
Dear Karen,
The NHS pension booklet stipulates that the member must complete a PN1 form, failure to do so will mean that the partner will not be considered for payment of a dependents pension. I doubt this is what you want to hear in what must be a difficult time. It may be worth contacting the pensions agency to see if they can be of assistance.
Kind Regards
L&M team
Hello
Please could you tell me the entitlement of children in Higher Education.
I have 3 children and the benefits from my late husband’s pension weren’t paid when they were at university due to admin error. Had they received the money at the time they would not have been liable for tax.
Their entitlement was then calculated and a lump sum was paid, but because they were working at the time, tax was deducted at source. Do I have any redress?
One of my daughter remained in HE until 29, was she entitled to any benefit or is there an age cut off?
Many thanks
Dear Catherine,
My apologies for taking a while to reply to this. It is a question that is better answered by an accountant. I spoke to Matt at http://sharpemedical.co.uk/ , who is a medical accounting specialist and he came back with the following;
Please refer to EIM74103 which deals specifically with the matter raised. The link is here:
https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/employment-income-manual/eim74103
It seems that they will be able to contact the tax office and ask for the liability to be re-calculated by spreading the income back to earlier years. This should be good news for them.
I Hope this helps
Kind Regards
L&M Team
I received my NHS pension since 1996, and could my wife inherit my pension on my death? Your reply will be most appreciated.
Dear Andy
Your wife would normally be entitled to a spousal pension, although this is a reducd amount. It may be that some of your service was accrued prior to spousal benefits being introduced, so it would be worth checking with the pensions agency as to the level of her entitlement.
Kind REgards
L&M team
Hi, I started receiving my NHS pension from mid 1996. Could you please let know if my pension could be inherited by my wife on my death. Your reply will be most appreciated.
Andy.
Hi Andy
Generally speaking, for the first 3 months a short-term pension is payable to your wife which will be at the same rate as your pension. After this 3-month period, your wife will receive an ongoing pension of half the amount you were in receipt of. However, because you started receiving your NHS pension from mid-1996, you may have service when the spousal benefits were different. I would therefore suggest that you contact the NHS Pensions Agency to get an exact figure.
I hope that helps.
Kind regards
L&M Team
I’ve been paying into the NHS pension for about 9 years lm single and my children are over 23. If l die suddenly does that mean they get nothing
Hi Lillian
Dependents benefits in these circumstances can be split into two parts, namely death-in-service lump sum and the death-in-service dependents pension. I have assumed that you have no nominated adult (legal or non-legal) beneficiary and that you are still currently a paying member of the 2008 NHS pension scheme.
Pension: In the event that there is no adult dependent pension payable, an immediate “pension” is payable for six months to your children. This pension will be the equivalent of six months of your pensionable pay at time of death. Beyond this time period a dependent’s pension is payable but children are only deemed financially dependent/reliant, up to a maximum age of 23. One child is entitled to a third of the pension you would be entitled to at time of death. If there are two or more children then two thirds of the pension would be divided between them. However, in the event of your death, as your children are over the age of 23, no ongoing benefit is payable to them. The only exception to this is if one or more of your children are aged 23 or over but “unable to earn a living due to a permanent physical or mental condition which he or she was suffering from at the time of your death.” In these circumstances the dependents pension remains payable.
(You could consider allocating part of your retirement pension to your children. You have to do this before you retire and you must be fit and well. You cannot change your mind afterwards even if the chosen person were to die before you. Obviously this approach would also reduce the pension you would receive at retirement.)
Lump sum: If you are single without a nominated qualifying partner, divorced or have terminated a civil partnership, a lump sum will be paid automatically to your estate unless you have nominated anyone on the “Lump sum on death benefit nomination” (DB2) form. In your circumstances, it is important that you nominate your children to receive the lump sum. The lump sum will be the equivalent of two years actual reckonable pay.
I hope that helps.
Kind regards
The L&M Team
I retired from NHS six years ago I have received my lump sum. Can nominate one of my children to continue to receive my NHS pension after I die
Dear Marcia,
The NHS will pay a dependents pension, typically until age 23. If the child remains unable to earn a living due to a condition whcih existed both at your retirement and at the date of your death the children’s pension can be paid indefinitely.
I hope this answers your question.
Kind Regards
Max
My ex late husband died 4 years ago, he died in service.
He had remarried and was previously married to me for 8 years, am I entitled to anything for those 8 years and if so who do I contact.
Hi Sandra
I am assuming that on divorce any settlement will have taken into account assets, savings, pensions etc and, as a result, a monetary settlement reached. I would therefore also assume that consideration was given to the NHS pension benefits of your ex-husband and appropriate benefits granted to you (“Earmarking”) or not as the case may be, if, for instance, your individual settlement consisted of other elements such as residence, savings etc.
If some of your ex-husband’s pension has been earmarked for you, then you may recognise the term “Pension Credit Member”. This is the term given to individuals who have been awarded part of a former spouse’s/partner’s pension as the result of a Pension Sharing Order.
In the event of remarriage then the trustees of the NHS pension scheme, in the absence of information to the contrary (an earmarking order for instance), would pay all appropriate benefits due, to your ex-husband’s current spouse.
I hope this answers your question.
Best wishes
Owen
Hello my name is James smith, my sister took her life recently and worked for the NHS for 16 years as a bio medical scientist. I am trying to look into what she is Intitaled to as we bought a house together and now I am struggling to make ends meet. Your help in this matter would be so helpful
Kind regards
James smith
Hi James
Firstly may I express my sincerest condolences in what are tragic circumstances.
The NHS will pay out a death-in-service gratuity/lump sum regardless of the circumstances surrounding an individual’s death. However, the ongoing pension income benefits that your sister built up within the scheme are only usually paid out to a spouse or partner and dependent children in the event of her death. I have spoken to the NHS Pensions Agency this morning and my feeling is that it is unlikely, even if you can prove financial dependency with regards to the mortgage payment, that you would, in turn, be able to claim some of the ongoing pension. In these circumstances you may only have some claim to the death-in-service gratuity/lump sum.
The gratuity forms part of your sister’s estate and you would be well advised to engage a solicitor/legal representative. I do not know if your sister nominated you/family members/others to receive her death-in-service lump sum. You or your personal legal representative will be able to find this out and move forward from this point.
If you call the NHS Pensions helpline on 0300 3301346 they should also be able to help you move things forward.
Best wishes
Owen
Good afternoon,
My wife passed away in January 2016, we have received a death in service sum and we are now receiving a pension for me and a pension for the children. I asked if this can be paid as a lump sum but been told no as it is greater than £200. is this true?
Hi Damon
Firstly may I pass on my condolences at what must still be a very difficult time.
The short answer is that you are not able to commute either your widower’s pension or dependent’s pension in favour of a lump sum. You are probably aware that your pension is payable for your lifetime. The dependent’s pension is payable whilst your children remain dependent and under the age of 23, or aged 23 or over and incapable of earning a living due to permanent physical or mental infirmity from which he/she was suffering at the time your wife died.
Best wishes
Owen
Hi my mum worked for the nhs in the canteen for 3 years in 1978. She died in 2012, but someone recently told me she would of payed into an nhs pension scheme. My father(her husband) is still alive. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hi Lisa
Unfortunately widowers benefits were/are not available for service that accrued pre April 6th 1988.
Best wishes
Owen
hi i wonder if you can help me. i have 25 years and 28 days service as a staff nurse within the nhs lanarkshire, i am i believe on the older nhs pension 1995 scheme,i am now aged 57 on may and was wondering if i retired what lump sums are available to me and monthly pension, is there a small lump sum and a large lump sum ? which would be beneficial for me to take and would my monthly pension reduce if the larger lump sum taken ?
thank you in advance for any help
rob c
Hi Rob
You are correct – you can elect to receive “standard” NHS pension benefits or “non-standard” benefits. Non-standard benefits result when a member of the NHS pension decides to give up (commute) some of their standard NHS pension income benefits, in favour of a bigger tax free lump sum. The Total Rewards Statement (TRS) will show you standard and non-standard benefits. You can apply for a TRS Statement through the Government/NHS Gateway. The link to get you started is https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/total-reward-statements
Good luck with your retirement!
Best wishes
Owen
Hi,
I have been working in Nhs since last 12 yrs . I am married with 2 children(aged 14 and 18) . Do i need to fill DB2 form in order to nominate my Lum sum pension equally among three of them. I understand that my spouse will automatically receive spouse pension? Thanks in advance
Hi Sana
Yes, complete form DB2 and the nominees will receive your death-in-service lump sum in the proportion that you have indicated.
Best wishes
Owen
Hi
My husband has recently passed away the age of 61 and was in the NHS pension scheme commencing around 1990 for 12 years.
He retired early due to health reasons around 2 years ago.
Will there be anything payable to me?
Hi Joanna
I am sorry for your loss. You are entitled to a pension and there may also be a lump sum payable.
You will receive half of the pension that was being paid to your husband until your death. This pension increases by CPI every year. In addition, you will receive a “short-term” pension for 3 “initial” months, which will be paid at the same level as the pension your husband received before his death.
You must apply for the pension to receive it. This NHS Pensions – Survivors Guide booklet explains pension benefits and how to claim them.
Best wishes
Owen
Hi
I am single with no children, only siblings. Can I nominate one or both of them to receive survivor pension? (I am 56 and have 32 years service/contributions).
Thanks.
Hi Jayne
Unfortunately you can’t nominate your siblings to receive your “dependent’s” pension. This is only available to a legal spouse, a registered civil partner, or a nominated partner with whom you have an exclusive long term committed relationship of at least two years and upon whom you are either financially dependent or inter-dependent.
You can, however, nominate your Death-in-Service lump sum to your siblings if you wish, using the “DB2” form.
Best wishes
Owen
Hi,
My husband died in a car crash four years ago and my two daughters and I have been receiving his pension. I have recently got remarried and my new husband and I have discussed him adopting our girls. Would this mean they would loose their children’s pension?
Many thanks
Hi Katie
Even though you have remarried, in the same way that your own dependant’s pension will continue so will that of your children if your new husband adopts them.
Best wishes
Owen
Hello, my husband passed away aged 52 in March 2018. He had worked for the ambulance service for 23 years. He was in receipt of a tier 2 pension as he had terminal cancer. I have just had notification that I receive an NHS widows’ pension. This is a lot lower than the amount he had been given. Why is this?
Am I entitled to anything else from the ambulance service please, or was he classed as being retired and not ‘in service’.
Thank you
Hi Debbie
I’m very sorry for your loss – the last thing you want to be thinking about is finances at a time like this.
The pension that you are entitled to is half the pension that your husband received – those are the NHS pension scheme rules. If you have children, then there is a possibility that they could receive a quarter of your husband’s pension depending on age and circumstances (under the age of 23.)
In terms of other benefits, I do not think there will be any other benefits payable.
Best wishes
Owen
Hello. Wondering if I could get some advice. My 32 year old sister has been diagnosed with metastatic cancer but hopefully with treatment still has a good few years. She has worked 6 years in the nhs with a break 2 years ago when she worked abroad for a year. As she is unlikely to reach retirement age i am wondering if it is in her interest to stop paying the nhs pension and if she can apply for any lump sums. Or should she keep paying into it if payout sums are likely to be small so that her husband can benefit in the future.
Many thanks.
Hi Nina
Remaining in the NHS Scheme will mean, for example, that your sister continues to retain all death-in-service benefits, the value of her actual pension fund is increasing faster than it would as a “deferred”/non contributing member etc etc. However, in situations like these, I hope you understand that we cannot be too generic because everyone’s situation is personal and individual. There are so many other factors to consider (you have alluded to the fact that your sister is married but does she have dependent children, a mortgage etc etc) and as such I would strongly advise a meeting with one of the Legal & Medical advisers.
Best wishes
Owen
Hello, my husband died in January 2018, and had been in reciept of an N.H.S. pension, i have since contacted the N.H.S. pension bereavement office by post and regular telephone calls to determine what , if any, of his pension i will be entitled to, so far i have not received any reply from anyone, apart from a letter advising me that part of his pension paid in February would be taken back as over payment.
I feel i am at a stalemate with the agency as no one is communicating with me. Any suggestions please
Hi there
I’m sorry to hear that you are being given the runaround at what will be a difficult time. If you need some further help, other than the advice below, please email me/call me and I will help if I can.
In the meantime, dependent on how long your husband’s pension had been in payment, you are entitled to a short term pension (at the level your husband was receiving) for three months. After this period you are entitled to half of the pension your husband was in receipt of.
I have no idea why the NHS are suggesting an overpayment had been made. It sounds like the payroll system has not caught up with the bereavement instruction that I assume you have made.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes
Owen
I have been in his pension for 20 yrs still working age 45. I am not married but l live with my parrner and our two young children 3 and 6 yrs old . Do l nominate my partnee to receive my pension or as my children are so young would they get the benefit until they are 23. Not sure what to do. Do l nomi ate my partner or just do nothing
Hi Denise
If you nominate your partner then he will receive half your pension in the event of your death. Your children will still remain entitled to a quarter of your pension each, in the event of your death. I would encourage you to make your nomination as soon as you are able.
Best wishes
Owen
I retired from the NHS and received lump sum plus pension.
I had nominated my late husband to receive my pension
If I die can my pension be passed on to my children who are over 23?
Thank you
Hi there
No – your pension cannot be passed on to your children. From the time they reach the age of 23, unless your children have a condition that means they are financially reliant upon you, any dependent pension will stop.
Best wishes
Owen
Hello I am a GP on the 95 scheme and have just resigned as a partner. I plan to locum for 10 months before taking my NHS pension at the end of 2019. Can you explain the implications of this if I were to die in service during this time. I don’t want my wife to be worse off! Does it make any difference if I were to freeze my pension contributions? Kind regards Nick
Hi Nick
If you were to freeze your pension contributions and become a deferred member, you would no longer be an active member of the NHS Pension Scheme and your family would lose your death in service benefit. Instead, they would get 3 times your accrued pension at the date of death.
Becoming a locum will still allow you to contribute to the NHS Pension Scheme. This is usually the best option but the death in service issue as a locum is a controversial matter. You may want to read our recent article on this GP Locums: Will you get your death in service benefit? by Nigel Farrar.
The ill-health retirement pension from the NHS can be harder to claim as well, but I suggest it would be worthwhile getting financial advice to cover any shortfall in these areas if needed.
Best wishes
Owen
Hi, I’m separated with my husband for almost 10 years now but not divorce, but he lives other country, I live with my 2 children (26 and 20). And I want my children only to receive my nhs pension and lump sum if I die, what I have to do..thank you
Hi Alice
Your children are entitled to a quarter of the pension that you would have received at time of death, in the event that they are 23 or under. This dependent’s pension can be paid beyond 23 if, for some reason, the child/children are deemed to be “incapable of earning a living due to a permanent physical or mental condition which he/she was suffering from at the time of your death.”
You can nominate your children to receive the death-in-service lump sum using form DB2. Further information can be found on the NHS Pensions Agency website.
Best wishes
Owen
Hi – if you qualify for a serious ill lump sum as a member of the 2008 scheme (and also the 2015 scheme to a lesser extent) can your full pension pot repaid to you pound for pound (as a tax free amount) please? I have read that the serious ill lump sum is calculated at the rate of £12 for each £1 of pension entitlement on the first 25% of your pension (ie the amount you can take tax free) and the remainder is calculated at £5 for every £1 of pension entitlement. Can you please confirm the method of calculation as I am in the unfortunate position of trying to calculate the most financially beneficial options for my terminally ill wife’s NHS pension.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Dean
Firstly, I am so sorry that you are having to post a comment under such circumstances. Secondly, you are very well informed and what you have said is absolutely correct:
Under the rules of the scheme, your wife will have a maximum lump sum payable under Non-standard pension benefits. £1 of income under the “Standard pension benefits” can be given up (commuted) for £12 of tax-free lump sum. Once the maximum commutation is reached, this will leave a “reduced” income that is payable. At this point you can then elect to receive £5 of tax free cash for each pound of the “reduced” income, rather than receiving the ongoing income. It’s not as simple as looking at your wife’s latest Total Rewards Statement, for instance, to calculate her prospective pension because her future pension will probably be based on a tier 2 Ill health retirement pension. This inflates the pension but unfortunately is not shown on a TRS. I would advise you to call the NHS on 0300 330 1346 and they should be able to give you an approximate figure.
In the event of your wife’s death, you (and eligible children) will be entitled to spouse and dependents pension benefits.
Best wishes
Owen
Thank you for your reply Owen. If the maximum seriously ill lump sum is taken is it correct that surviving spouse/dependent children pension are still payable? I assumed that once the “pot” was paid out there would be no further amounts payable.
Hi Dean
No problem – happy to help. The terminal sum represents the commutation of the member’s own benefits, not those of dependents/spouse. They are payable in the event of death of the member.
Best wishes
Owen
Hi Owen
My husband died in 1981 whilst in nhs service for over 10yrs. I initially received a widows pension but this stopped when I remarried.
Having also been subject to my own pension changes following state pension changes I was struggling financially. I asked a local MP to help get my husband’s his pension reinstated. They eventually gave me a small sum monthly saying this was all I could have and that I should appreciate the gesture they had made. They didn’t explain how they came to that sum of money.
As my husband would have been over 65 by now can I claim any of his pension. The rules have changed so many times over the years.
My second marriage ended years ago.
I feel that it’s just not right that they can hold on to what my husband believed would be paid to me. Can you advise me
Many thanks
Mary
Hi Mary
It does seem so unfair because now the pension is payable for the life of the remaining spouse/partner if the scheme member was still a member beyond April 1 2008. The scheme trustees will consider extending payments if financial hardship can be proved (I guess that they agreed to the discretionary payment that you already receive under these terms.) Maybe you should consider going back to them requesting the full amount be reinstated if finances are more difficult?
Best wishes
Owen
My partner and I have been co-habitating for 16 years but he is still legally married. He retired from the nhs in 2006 after 10 years service. Would he be allowed to nominate me for his pension and any death benefit lump sum or would it still go to his legal wife on his death.
Hi Kaylee
My feeling is that if your partner is legally married then I think pension benefits would go to his wife. Assuming that he has been in receipt of his pension for 10 years, there is no lump sum entitlement.
Best wishes
Owen
My daughter is twenty six she works, would my daughter get my nhs pension when I pass.
Hi Carol
The blunt answer is “no”. Children are only entitled to a quarter of your pension until they reach the age of 23. If they can prove financial dependency on you, because of a lifelong medical condition, then they may be entitled to receive that pension beyond the age of 23.
The NHS Pensions – Survivors Guide provides a very good summary from the NHS library.
Best wishes
Owen
I am not married or have a partner, I have 3 children so when I pass away what happens to my pension, can my children have it, if so what do I do.
Hi Ann
In the event of your death, your children are entitled to a quarter of your pension up to a maximum of half being paid (ie 2 children) up until they reach the age of 23. If financial dependency can be proved, because of a medical condition, then the pension may be payable for their lifetime.
If you were to die “in-service”, then a lump sum is payable and this could be nominated in favour of your children. To do this, you should complete the appropriate form now. The NHS Pensions – Survivors Guide in the NHS ‘document library’ provides a very good summary.
Best wishes
Owen
I’ve worked for the NHS for nearly forty years I took my pension lump sum two years ago and receive an annual pension .Should anything happen to me I know my husband will receive a small pension each year.Would that still be payable to my children (27 & 23 years old )if he dies.
Hi Karen,
Half of your pension would be payable to your spouse. None of your pension is payable to your children, either in the event of yours or your husband’s death (should you pre-decease him). Unless your children are shown to be financially dependent on you/him for medically orientated reasons that means they are unable to provide for themselves.
I hope this helps,
Best wishes
Owen
Hello
I want to put my 10 years old son name on DB2 form . Will he receive 100 % lump sum if I suddenly die ? and then will he be receiving my pension till age of 23 ?
What if I wait and register him when he is over 24 ? Will he then receive pension to the rest of his life ?
Thank you
Hi there,
The lump sum can be nominated to whomever you choose.
The dependents pension will be payable up until the age of 23 only, unless your son, for medical reasons, is financially dependent upon you/incapable of providing for himself. In these circumstances, a pension could be payable for his lifetime.
It would be most benefical if you read: NHS summary of Benefits
I hope this helps!
My wife was a nurse and a member of the NHS Pension Scheme. She died on the 21st February, 2019, and I notified NHS Pensions on the 4th March, 2019. I wrote to them on three occasions and also sent an email to Rachel Court, chairman of the NHS Pensions Board three letters, but I did not get any replies. Eventually I managed to get the claim form G60 which I sent to them on the 8th July, 2019. I rang them on the 9th August, 2019, and I was told that the short term widower’s pension was based only on membership from the 6th April, 1988, except for homosexuals. According to NHS Pensions she paid contributions up to the 13th December, 1986.
I have her copy of the NHS Pension Scheme, notes for pensioners and their dependants, Booklet R, dated August, 1995, which clearly states that “when you die your widower will get a pension as follows. A widower with no dependant children: for the first three months, a pension the same as yours, then a permanent pension of half your pension for your service from the 6th April, 1988.
The Legal and Medical Investments Ltd. summary states that a widower’s pension is one half of your pension based only on membership from the 6th April, 1988 and a short term pension at a rate of the member’s pension paid for the first three months.
In neither of the above documents does it say that the short term pension is subject to the 6th April, 1988, limitation.
The scheme clearly discriminates in favour of widows and homosexuals and I understand that there is an ongoing legal challenge to this discrimination. The widower of a doctor, and the British Medical Association, were given permission for a High Court judicial review of widower pensions in October, 2018. The result is expected shortly.
As things stand at the moment I accept that I am not entitled to a long term pension, but I believe that I am entitled to a short term pension.
What is your opinion?
Hi there
I have a huge amount of sympathy with you. I think that wording can be interpreted in one of two ways and is ambiguous really. However, the NHS realistically will not attempt to justify their wording but merely state that the short term pension is for those with service after 1988. I can only suggest another letter to the NHS in an attempt to get them to change their mind but I doubt that this will prove positive. Thank you for bringing our attention to the case being pursued at the moment.
Best wishes
Owen
Hi I need advice, I work for nhs bank services since 2017 on and off (bank work) , and I do pay nhs pension….when working /sick.
My children are all adults, I live with a partner, can I leave my pension contribution to my children to be given at death or ?
I also have another pension only small but it’s been frozen since 1995, should I put it in my pension pot for NHS ,
Hi Samantha,
It is only possible to leave your pension (in the event of your preceding death) to a partner/spouse. You cannot leave it to your children. In the event you were to die “in-service” before receiving your pension, then there is a “death-in-service” lump sum payable which could be nominated to your children.
Regarding the smaller pension – you have several options but really you need to speak to an adviser so they can ascertain what the pension is, how much is it, etc etc.
I hope this helps,
Best wishes, Owen
Dear team.
I have been working in the NHS for only 6 years. I am 46, married with no children and naturally would like to increase my pension. I belong to the 2015 scheme.
To do this I want to contribute in instalments. I have been reading all the information at hand and as far as I can understand I have two possibilities: Nominate my husband as an adult dependant or not. In the information I have it says the following:
– “Buying additional pension with dependants cover will increase both your own pension and any survivor pension or child’s allowance that may be payable after your death.”
– “If you are in good health you can choose to allocate (give up) part of your own pension to provide a bigger pension for any dependant when you die. This allocation can be to a spouse, civil partner, qualifying partner, or in certain circumstances, a child. The allocation must be made before you retire and you cannot reverse this decision once it is made.” Also estates: If you choose to do this it means your pension will be reduced at your retirement and if you die before your beneficiary they will get the part of your pension you have allocated to them for life. You
cannot cancel it once we have accepted it. This means that even if your beneficiary dies before you, you will never be able to get back the part of your pension you have given up.
My question is: How does choosing this type of cover increases my own pension if I am giving up part of it and I can not recover it? This seems contradictory. Have you got any more information about this?
I appreciate any help and thank you in advance.
Hi there,
I would suggest you have a chat with a financial adviser because I think there is a bit of confusion in your understanding of how NHS pension benefits are paid. Also, there are various ways of increasing your future pension, not just via the NHS pension scheme. I recommend you explore these, before deciding on a way forward.
With regards to the NHS pension scheme, your spouse would automatically receive a “standard” amount of spouses pension benefit in the event you were to predecease him. You can also elect to give up some of your future NHS pension benefits and allocate them to a spouse (so he receives more than “normal” at the time of your death). However, there are only a few circumstances where you may consider this to be the best way forward, and as you have identified below, giving up some of your initial pension, to increase your husbands’ future pension is not necessarily what you want to/should do.
As mentioned, I would be inclined to seek advice on this matter.
Best wishes, Owen
Hi, I left the NHS some years ago.
I have a sizeable amount in the NHS pension scheme which has been frozen, growing only with inflation since that period.
I know my dependants would not receive death in service payments or a lump sum it I were to die, but would they receive the full amount invested in the scheme if I were to die prior to drawing down on the pension.
Many Thanks
Hi there
If you have a spouse/long-term partner then they would be entitled to a dependant’s pension of half the amount that you would have been entitled to. If you have dependant children (either under the age of 23 or children that are financially dependent upon you as a result of their medical history/situation), then they will be entitled to a quarter of the pension you would have been entitled to.
I am assuming that you were a member of the NHS 1995 pension scheme. The amount that you have invested would not be returned to dependants/beneficiaries – this is not how the scheme is set up/operated.
I’ve attached a link to the “The NHS Pensions – Survivors Guide” produced by the NHS pension scheme.
I hope this helps,
Best wishes, Owen
Hello, i am 33 and have been working for the NHS for 12 years and paying into my pension for that amount of time. I am currently unmarried but having been living with my partner for 10 months.
Someone had given me information that if something happend to me until i am married i could lose some of the money i have paid into my pension unless i nominate someone e.g. mother/ father/ sister/ partner for my lump sum using a DB2 form.
Is this true?
What is the difference between doing nothing (until married as partner receives pension) versus filling in a DB2 form now?
Many thanks
Hi there
In the event of death, whilst in service, your beneficiaries are entitled to a Death in Service lump sum and potentially a pension (spouse, partner, dependant children). Long term partners, as you would expect, are recognised as having the same status as spouses. Its good practice to nominate beneficiary/beneficiaries for your potential lump sum. If there is no nomination, that decision, if necessary, would be made by the trustees of the NHS pension.
This may not comply with your actual wishes. Therefore nominate now – your nomination can be changed by you at any stage in the future, should you wish to reconsider your original choice.
I hope this helps
Best wishes, Owen
Hi,
I would like to know if it’s possible I can nominate to leave my pension to my brother (35 years old), who is register disabled and has a brain injury, and for whom I have provided support to throughout his life. I no longer provide financial support to him but without my support his living expenses would indeed increase, so there is arguably a financial interdependence. Is there any wiggle room on this for people who provide care to immediate family members who are not their children?
Many thanks
Hi there,
If an individual has been financially dependent upon you and you can show/prove it, then they can become entitled to a pension in the event of your death. I would suggest contacting the NHS pensions agency as soon as you can and get this nomination process underway and completed. This would be a lot easier than if you were to die and the executors of your estate then try to sort things out in favour of your brother.
I’ve attached a link to the “NHS survivor’s guide” – you will see on pg 6 – “Children’s Pension” – that your brother could be a potential beneficiary.
Best wishes, Owen
I have a question that I would like an answer to please, my partner who I was living with for 35 years passed away in 2010. Am I entitled to any of her NHS pension. Thanking you Patrick O’Sullivan
Hi there,
I have attached a member’s booklet which explains benefits that may be payable. It lists the appropriate address that you need to contact to get the ball rolling.
Rule changes were introduced into the NHS pension scheme that allowed for payments to be made to non-married/civil partnership partners (However, there was an expectation that the appropriate forms needed to be completed pre-death, and ultimately the NHS has the right NOT to pay.) I’ve attached a government guidance consultation document which may give you some hope that a claim may be upheld; it is directed at same-sex couples who are/were in marriages/civil partnerships (pg 11-13) but I believe that the same “criteria” may be applied to those in relationships that are not “formally” recognised.
This is only my opinion on the basis of what seems fair! The only way to find out ultimately though is to contact the NHS and listen to what they have to say.
NHS pension scheme: proposed changes to scheme regulations 2019
Good luck & best wishes, Owen
Hello. My mum died in service whilst working as a district nurse in 1998 aged 57. I know it’s highly unlikely given the amount of time that’s passed but I’ve been advised that it might still be possible to claim for myself and her grandchildren as we were her direct dependents at her time of death.
Thanks for your time
David
Hi there
It depends how old you were at the time of your Mother’s death if a claim could be made. If you were under the age of 23 at the time of her death, you may have been entitled to a dependants pension at the time. If this wasn’t the case then no pension would have been payable.
A lump sum (Death-in-Service payment) would have been payable at the time – this probably went to your Mother’s spouse/partner along with a right to a pension, based on her service, if a spouse/partner was still alive at the time.
The only way that your children or yourself could claim a pension at the time would be if you were financially dependent on your Mother, at the time of her death, due to a “limiting” Medical condition that made it difficult for either you or your children to be financially independent.
Without knowing your ages/situation, then/now, I couldn’t be more specific as to whether a claim could be made.
Best wishes, Owen
Hi Owen
Thanks for your reply. I was over 23 (34) at the time of my mother’s death so that seems to rule out a claim on a pension. However my father had died two years beforehand and I certainly did not receive a Death in Service payment – Mum was still working and had worked withing the NHS since the age of 22.
Is this something worth me chasing up?
Thanks again for your time
David
Hi there,
If your Mother was actually in service then a Death-in-Service payment should have been paid. If it didn’t go to an individual then it should have been paid to your Mother’s Estate. Therefore, I would look to see what was included in the estate (I assume it went through probate) and confirm whether or not a lump sum emanating from the NHS was paid; If not, then it would be worth contacting the NHS. Tel: 0300 330 1346.
I hope this helps!
Best wishes, Owen
Hi my sister worked for the NHS for over 25 years, she took early retirement/pension in 2006 and has now passed away, she left her pension to our Mum, (filling out all necessary forms) who she lived with and had financial commitments with, is my mum entitled to any of her pension?
Thank you for any help
Clare
Hi there
Usually, an ongoing pension would only be payable to a financially dependent child (whether they are a child or an adult). This dependency in later life has to be a result of a medical condition that leaves the child unable to provide for themselves. You are asking if the parent of the child is entitled to the pension of the child. My feeling is that this will not be acceptable. However, to put your mind at rest I would call the NHS membership line and ask them the question.
Their number is 0300 330 1346
Best wishes, Owen
Hi
I paid into the NHS Pension fund for 40+ years and have now retired and receiving monthly payments. On retirement 1997 I decided to take a part lump sum and monthly payment pension.
My question is, I am divorced so I nominated my only Daughter as the beneficiery on my death, Is she entitled to any of my pension after death?.
Hi, there
I am afraid she would not be entitled to any of your pension unless she was financially dependent as a result of an ongoing medical condition that left her incapable, or compromised in such a way that meant she was unable to provide for herself.
Depending on the time of death and how long your pension had been in payment – your daughter may be entitled to a residual lump sum. I’ve attached a link to the NHS “Survivors Guide” but the relevant text (in my opinion) is below:
“A lump sum on death benefit may be paid if a member dies before retiring or within five years of their retirement. The amount payable where the member dies after retirement will depend on the total amount of retirement benefits they have received from the Scheme up to the date of death. Sometimes the Scheme’s liability may have already been discharged meaning no lump sum is payable, for example if the member exchanged some of their pension to receive a lump sum or bigger lump sum when they retired. The NHS Pension Scheme is not a discretionary scheme. The lump sum on death benefit will be paid to the legal spouse, registered civil partner or nominated qualifying partner unless the member has nominated someone else on the lump sum on death benefit nomination form (DB2). If there is no legal spouse, registered civil partner, nominated qualifying partner or nomination, the lump sum on death benefit will be paid to the member’s Estate. If the lump sum amount is £5,000 or more, sight of a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration will be requested before the lump sum is paid. A lump sum on death benefit is not included in an Inheritance Tax assessment if paid to the member’s spouse or registered civil partner. A lump sum on death benefit paid to a nominated qualifying partner or nominated individual(s) may be subject to Inheritance Tax.”
I hope this helps,
Best wishes, Owen
Hi there
My husband died in service July2020. I have filled out numerous forms since then but not received any correspondence due to covid. I am not sure exactly what I am entitled to and would really appreciate your advice. He worked for the nhs for 10 years but I think he was only in the scheme for 5 years? Please help
Hi, Cheryl
Firstly, please accept my condolences at such a difficult time.
We are finding that correspondence is very, very slow from the NHS at the moment, so try not to worry. I am sure they will be in contact soon.
Your husband will have built up pension benefits that are referred to as ‘deferred’ benefits (i.e. benefits not in payment). As his spouse, you will be entitled to a death-in-service lump sum and a widows pension of approximately half the pension that he would have been entitled to. You will also be entitled to a larger ‘short-term’ pension related to his pay for 6 months. I have attached a link to the NHS Pensions Survivors Guide. The relevant pages for you are probably pg 7-12.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best.
Best wishes, Owen
my wife had 16 years of nhs pension payments, but she left the service some time ago. She has died now, am I still able to claim it?
Hi Matthew,
Firstly, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Secondly, “Yes” – as a widower, you are entitled to a widower’s pension.
Please can I refer you to the NHS Pensions – Survivors Guide document which will give you an idea of your entitlements and also how to go about claiming them.
Best wishes, Owen
Hello, my stepmother was employed by the nhs for 40 years and retired at 60. When she died at 69 my father received a dependants pension. What happens now he has died? Who do I inform and how does this work. Is the value of the dependants pension added to his estate?
Hi there,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. The pension effectively dies with your father. Dependants pensions are only payable if dependants have been/are reliant on the payment by virtue of the fact they are unable to provide for themselves because of an existing medical condition.
I am assuming that you have never been in receipt of the dependant’s pension and do not fulfil the medical criteria, and therefore, will not receive a dependants pension. There is obviously no impact on the Estate from an IHT point of view.
Best wishes, Owen
Hi there.
My ex husband is 61 and has just started receiving his NHS pension. We are still on good terms and I was wondering if after he dies, would I be entitled to any of his pension?
Is it too late for him to nominate me as a beneficiary.
Thanks.
Hi there,
You need to be the existing spouse or partner of the NHS member to be eligible to receive their pension in the event of their death. If your husband were to die within approximately 5 years of his pension going into payment then you may be entitled to a one-off payment if you were the nominated beneficiary. But I do not think you will have any entitlement to a widow’s pension.
Best wishes, Owen
My brother in law has died in service after 37 years & 10 months. Death in service will be paid into his estate. He was single with no children. So nothing more will be paid. Why is this when pension freedoms have been available for some time. My own work pension pots all pay the sums invested tax free to my nominated choice
Hi there
The NHS pension scheme does not have a fund backing it up, as your workplace pension probably does, costs are met by the state. Therefore there is technically no fund to pass on.
There are certain beneficiary categories and a death-in-service lump sum as you have alluded to. But there is no “fund”.
Best wishes, Owen
Hi,
My wife worked for the NHS from 2000 until 2010. Staff Nurse Band D, then E. Full time then reducing to 30 hrs per week for around 4 years. Also Nurse Bank work.
She died recently aged 47.
Would the pension fund have been sitting since 2010 making standard interest?
Will there be a payment to myself (below age 55) , and two sons aged 15 and 6?
Thanks.
H McG
Hi, Henry
Firstly may I express my condolences.
The pension is inflated year on year so it will be increasing in value. You are entitled to half the pension she would have been eligible to receive, and each of your children is effectively entitled to a quarter of the pension.
I’ve attached the survivors guide which will give you more detail and also help you to make your claim.
NHS Pensions – Survivors Guide
Best wishes,Owen
Hello,
My husband passed away on February 25th this year.
He has worked for the NHS for almost 2 decades. I recently got his survivor’s pension that is being paid monthly approved.
However, yesterday I received an email that I was paid a gratuity lump sum as well on 17/05/2021 but there’s no record of that in my account.
Does that normally take time to process even if they said I was paid yesterday?
Thank you,
A
Hi Anjee
Firstly, may I say I am sorry for your loss.
Pension payments at first can be a bit hit and miss. The death in service payment consists of a lump sum and a pension. As with any lump sum payment it may take 3-5 days to clear, so I’m sure everything is in order.
Best wishes, Owen
My partner died suddenly in a cycling accident. She had been paying into the NHS pension for 13 years. I’ve just been informed that I won’t get a pension because she had only been divorced for 12 months and it had to be 2 years minimum.
We have a 3 year old son together but there was no mention of a child pension, is he entitled to one? All I’m entitled to is a death in service benefit.
Hi there
Firstly may I say how sorry I am.
As your child is your partner’s son, then I expect there will be a pension payable for him.
In the booklet NHS Pension – Survivors Guide there are contact details that you will need. I would suggest contacting NHS pensions direct.
I wish you all the best.
Best wishes, Owen
Hi there
Firstly, may I say how sorry I am.
As your child is your partner’s son, then I expect there will be a pension payable for him.
In the booklet NHS Pension – Survivors Guide there are contact details that you will need. I suggest you contact them directly for advice.
Best wishes, Owen
I have a pension with the NHS that I cannot take until July 2022. I left NHS employment pre 2005 and my pension is under the 1995 scheme.
Can you advise, if I die before being able to draw my pension, that the lump sum on death will be paid out to my estate or can I nominate someone to receive it. My husband is no longer alive and I have no dependent children.
Similarly if i die after drawing my pension will the lump sum on death be paid out.
I’ve looked at the nomination form DB1 for those who left employment prior to April 2008 and it seems to imply that I can only use this form and that it is to instruct the payment to my legal personal representative rather than to my spouse. As my husband is dead I’m thinking that this isn’t the form for me. Very confused
Hi Leigh
Death in service payments are made if you are “in service” only, i.e. a contributing member. Your initial pension does have a lump sum attached to it – so you could nominate someone to receive this. Your pension itself can only go to a spouse or a partner in the event of your death at any time (whether you receive your pension or not). If you need any further advice with this please contact us and one of the advisers will be happy to help.
Best wishes, Owen
My Wife was 32 and had worked for the NHS for about 12 years. She interviewed for a higher paying job in a different practice and got the job.
Her final day at her old NHS job was a Friday. She started her new NHS job the next Wednesday but she died unexpectedly on the Tuesday.
She’d worked the week before on her day off in her new role because they needed her help, which I feel means the roles overlapped, but NHS pensions have said she was no longer a member and so are not paying out the normal life assurance benefits that they advertise on their website as 2x annual pensionable salary.
This doesn’t sound right or fair that if you die in the few days between jobs you’re not eligible?
Hi there
It does seem very unfair, but the situation is as you have outlined. I would go back to NHS pensions and remonstrate – they may be sympathetic! Failing this, I would make absolutely sure that there was no overlap between contracts; was your wife entitled to any holiday at the time of her death – if so, technically, she was still employed under the original contract before starting her new role.
Best wishes, Owen
I am receiving an NHS pension and my wife died in 2020. I am getting married again in 2022. Will my new wife be eligible to receive my pension if I predecease her and do we have to be married for a period before she would be eligible please?
Also if we are not living together for a time after we get married (as we will be selling two homes before buying) would she be eligible for my pension?
Thanks
Hi there
Your new wife will be entitled to a pension. For ease, I would ensure that she is nominated. For more information: NHS Pensions – Partner Nomination (PN1)
Best wishes, Owen
Can you please provide some advice? My widowed mother recently passed away. She retired in the late 1980’s a dedicated SRN/Sister having dedicated her working life to the NHS. A few days after her death we received a rather callous letter from the NHS pension office that they wanted a repayment of her pension because she had died at the beginning of that month. As her daughter and Executor of her will I duly repaid the funds. I have since made enquiries as to the ‘lump sum on death’ award but have been met by a complete wall of silence. All I want to know is whether her estate is entitled to this benefit. My mother never remarried after being widowed 40 years ago and is survived by her 3 children all over 23 now.
Hi there
The death in service payment is due in the event that a member dies whilst in service. As a retiree, your Mother would have received a lump sum at the time of retirement (along with her pension). There is no further entitlement to a lump sum. Regarding the NHS correspondence – I’m sorry that this is the experience you have had – this is the “faceless” NHS that every big organisation seems to have. However, I know it is not representative of the NHS, which is full of individuals, like your Mother, working for the good of others.
Best wishes, Owen
Aged 54 I have stopped paying into my pension ( mainly 1995).Although I continue to work for the NHS, what would my wife be entitled to now or in the future if I died while not working for the NHS and not claiming any pension?
Hi there,
Your wife would be entitled to half your pension and a lump sum based on the pension (but different to a death in service lump sum). If you are in receipt of retirement benefits and then die, a lump sum could be payable but will be dependent on how long the pension itself, has been in payment.
Best wishes, Owen
Hi, my ex husband and I divorced in 2011 after 24 years of marriage. We have never got a financial settlement or clean break order since our divorce.
Neither of us re-married or entered into another relationship and have remained good friends. We are thinking about the future and have looked into getting a pension sharing order to make sure I am financially secure should anything happen to him but it is very expensive. We were wondering if it would be possible for my ex to leave his pension in his will to me?
I haven’t worked for many years due to ill health and have no pension of my own.
Hi there,
As you are not the spouse or partner of your ex-husband, it is unlikely that you would be entitled to any of his pension. There is potentially a lump sum payable to nominated beneficiaries of members of the scheme, dependent upon if the member was still working at the time of death and/or how long a pension had been in payment at the time of the members death.
The lump sum, if applicable, could be left to you. I hope this helps!
Best wishes, Owen
Hi my mum worked worked for the NHS for just over two years she was in the 2008 scheme, she has recently passed away aged 59 and leaves my dad 56 widowed, would he be able to claim some of this pension. Many thanks
Hi there,
Firstly, I am very sorry for your loss. Yes – your Father could claim some of your Mum’s pension, plus receive a death-in-service lump sum if she was still contributing at or around the time of death. I’ve attached a couple of links to help you:
NHS Pensions – Survivors guide and NHS Pensions – Death in Service Notification Form.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes, Owen
I am a GP with both Partner Role and Salaried CCG role. I am contemplating stopping paying contributions on my practice earnings but continuing to pay in on CCG work. How would this work regarding death in service benefit payable? As I would still be a contributing / active member would the Death in service benefit which my wife would receive remain the same as if I paid into the scheme for both roles? If not what would be the difference ?
Hi there
It is my understanding that the amount payable would be based on the individual roles that you fulfilled. Currently, you would effectively get 2 death in service payments associated with each role. If you give up one role then you give up the associated death-in-service.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes, Owen
I worked in the NHS and took my tax free lump sum in 2007 when I was 60. I receive a monthly pension and was wondering what happens to that pension once I die. If there is a payment on my death can I nominate my daughter to receive it.
Hi there
Your pension can only go to a spouse or life partner in the event of your death unless your daughter is financially reliant on you because of a medical condition.
Best wishes, Owen
Hi! Does the NHS spouses pension and dependents pension go up with inflation each year?
Hi there,
The NHS spouse’s pension and dependents’ pension does go up with inflation each year.
Best wishes, Owen
hello
I was wondering if you could answer this question.
Are my children entitled to the lump sum payment after their mothers death aged 54.
She had a will making them beneficiaries of her estate but not nominated in her will as she was ill and did not get round to doing it.
there is no husband or cohabitee.
There is an ex partner of 18 years but separated 3 years before her death.
Will the money go to the estate or to them direct.
The will stipulates they can not use the money from her estate till they reach age 25.
Thank you
5 and 3 years time.
Hi Chris
The lump sum is likely to form part of the estate as no nomination is in place, plus inheritance tax may have to be considered. The children may have a claim for dependants pension(s) assuming they are still in full-time education (up to the age of 23)
I’ve attached the members guide for further reading NHS Pensions Survivors Guide (nhsbsa.nhs.uk).
Best wishes, Owen
Hello
Due to family circumstances I have asked NHS pensions to define the dependant pension meaning of ” unable to make a living ” they have not provided any definition.
A disabled person may be able to earn small amounts but not provide fully for themselves. How is this ” unable to make a living ” interpreted ?
We both have NHS pensions 1995 scheme .
Hi Mrs Bowen
Firstly, a pension is payable to a spouse or civil partner in the event of the death of the member and the survival of the spouse/partner.
In the absence of a partner nomination form, claimants will still need to provide evidence of financial dependency or interdependence in the two years prior to the member’s death in accordance with the NHS Pension Scheme regulations.
Secondly, the “unable to make a living”, I assume from the tone of the question, is usually a reference to dependant children (biological or adopted) who are incapable of, for medical reasons, providing for themselves into the future. In this situation, a dependant’s pension would be payable beyond the “normal” age of 23. As you allude to, there may be some interpretation here and I’m not in a position to interpret on behalf of the NHS. Have you provided the NHS with the medical details of the person that you are thinking about and asked them to consider the situation?
Sorry, I can’t be of more help.
Best wishes, Owen
Hi, my ex wife died in October and she was in the NHS Pension Scheme from 2004 onwards and died in service. We were married 2009-2021 and have two children 13 and 10 years old. After we separated we mutually agreed 50/50 childcare duties and split expenditure on the children 50/50. I now am raising the children with my new wife. My ex wife remarried in May of this year and has no children. Although my children look set to get pensions until the age of 23 these will each be only half the amount her widow (who has no children) gets for the rest of his life and he’ll benefit from the lump sum also. Meanwhile as the sole parent my living costs increase and I’m thinking of reducing hours at work to support the children. Is there anything I can do so that my children and I can benefit more equally with her widow IE. Can any discretion be applied by NHS pension decision makers, or is there an appeals/tribunal process and would that be worth my while.
Hi there
Based on the information you have provided, it sounds like benefits are being paid, based on membership of the 1995 scheme. In this scenario, dependants (children, in your case) are paid at half the rate of a qualifying partner/spouse. What you are suggesting they will get and to what age, is therefore correct, under the terms of the pension scheme. The rules of the scheme are clear and therefore, I don’t think the NHS pension scheme will take into account your more difficult circumstances – they are paying what is due, under the scheme.
A link to the survivor’s guide is here: NHS Pensions Survivors guide – this explains benefits payable under all versions of the NHS pension scheme.
Best wishes, Owen