If you die in service as a member of the LGPS, subject to the certain qualifying conditions, these benefits are payable:

A widow’s, widower’s, civil or nominated partner’s pension* equal to 37.5% of the pension you would have received if you had retired on serious ill health grounds  

*A scheme member can only register a nominated partner provided they paid into the scheme on or after 1.4.2008.  For a nomination form and to check if your relationship meets the qualifying rules, please click here to download our leaflet Nominating a Co-habiting Partner (PDF, 594KB)

Pensions for eligible children

A lump sum death grant of approximately 3 years pay

If you die after retiring and you are in receipt of your pension, a survivor's pension can also be paid to your spouse or nominated partner, subject to certain qualifying conditions.  A lump sum may be payable, depending on your age, when you left the scheme, and how long you have been drawing the pension for.

We have the final discretion to decide who to pay, but we will always take into account your wishes by filling in a Death Grant Expression of Wish form (PDF, 178KB).  If you don’t nominate (or we are unable to follow your wishes) we might have to pay the lump sum to your estate.

What benefits will be paid if I die with deferred benefits?

Even if you left the scheme and have deferred benefits with us, you still have some lump sum cover, and pensions for dependents too, based on the amount of pensionable service you built up before you left the scheme.

If I died, would you pay a pension to my children?

Yes, if your child is your own, adopted, or who depend on you financially.  They must normally be under 18, but can be as old as 23 if they carry on in full time education or in training for a trade, profession or vocation.  The pension may also cover some adult children who cannot work because of a disability which arose while a child.