Who inherits your work pension when you die? Tell your scheme your wishes

• Nominate your pension beneficiary through the Expression of Interest form
• Note, however, that the scheme can exercise discretion over who ultimately benefits.
• What will happen to the national pension? Check out the rules below to see what you get.

More than half of pensioners are either mistaken or unaware of what will happen to their savings if they die, new research has revealed.

One in four people incorrectly believe that their retirement benefits will automatically be passed on to their next of kin, while others think the government, employer or pension scheme is getting their money.

The Department of Pensions and Pensions says only two in five savers are aware of the fact that they can nominate a beneficiary for their pension through the ‘expression of wishes’ form.

MAPS is funded by the government to provide free financial assistance to the public and encourages people to fill out these forms. If you have already verified that your form is up to date, we invite you to fill it out.

However, the group warns that while pension schemes will take your wishes into account, they will not necessarily follow your wishes as they can exercise discretion over who ultimately benefits from your pension.

> Can my spouse inherit the national pension?Scroll down for information

MAPS explains that where there is a final salary pension, benefits are paid in accordance with its provisions and the management committee retains discretion. This is a help page regarding pension inheritance.

“Some, but not all, plans may pay a pension to a partner who was living with the deceased member at the time of death and was financially dependent on the member,” it said.

“It’s important to review your plans so you know what will happen when you die.”

If you have a defined contribution pension plan, you can nominate who you want to receive your pension funds on your death and this will be taken into account.

MAPS added, however, that “generally, to whom the pension is paid is at the discretion of the provider or trustee administering the pension.”

Steve Webb, pension columnist for This Is Money, heard from people who wanted to inherit their ex-husband’s pension because he was their full-time carer, but the scheme refused to do so after their husband’s death. answered the question.

Mr Webb, a former pensions minister and now a partner at LCP, writes: “The way things are done in practice does not necessarily correspond to the wishes of the deceased.”

We explained what will happen to continuous pensions, which are determined by system rules, and lump-sum payments, which are subject to discretionary rights.

“Trustees may face difficult choices between multiple parties competing to receive a lump sum, and in some cases may even split the lump sum to reflect this,” he said. .

Mr Webb added that the most important thing to do is to make sure your Expression of Wishes form reflects your latest wishes and check your pension scheme’s rules.

His other message is to remember not only your current pension, but also the pensions you have accumulated in the past.

MAPS surveyed 2,500 UK adults with a pension and found that 41% believe their pension will go to their designated beneficiary if they die.

Approximately 23 percent believe their pension will be automatically transferred to their next of kin, 11 percent did not know, a further 11 percent believe the government will collect their pension, and 8 percent believe their employer will transfer their pension. and 7 per cent thought their pension provider would receive it.

Meanwhile, 20% did not know who they had named as their pensioner, while 47% knew all of them, 11% knew ‘most’ and 10% knew ‘some’. Ta.

Around three-quarters of those surveyed said their pension plans had up-to-date details.

Jackie Spencer, Head of Pensions Policy at MAPS, said of who will inherit your pension if you die: “It’s a difficult subject to think about, and no one expects the worst to happen to them.” “No, but it is extremely important to have a plan in place in case it does happen.” .

“People come and go in our lives, and if someone is no longer wanted as a beneficiary, they may benefit at the expense of the loved ones you leave behind. These results suggest that millions of people are at risk.

“We ask everyone to ensure that all pensions they hold are suitable. You can do this by contacting the pensioner by phone or online. It makes a big difference if you can and die early.”