What happens to a pension when someone dies?
Last reviewed October 2026
The State Pension stops, and Tell Us Once can let the DWP know. Any overpayment after the death is reclaimed from the estate, and a surviving spouse may be able to inherit extra State Pension depending on their age and records. Workplace and private pensions differ: many pay a lump sum or continuing pension to a spouse, partner or nominated person, often at the scheme trustees' discretion and usually outside the estate. Contact each scheme with the death certificate and ask what is payable and to whom.
Who to contact
Each scheme separately, plus the DWP for the State Pension.
- DWP, or Tell Us Once
- Each workplace scheme
- Each personal pension or annuity provider
Inheritance tax
The government has announced that most unused pension funds and death benefits will count towards inheritance tax from April 2027. Check GOV.UK for the rules on the date of death.
Frequently asked questions
Does a pension go into the estate?
Workplace and personal pension death benefits usually do not pass under the will, as trustees decide who receives them. Pension payments owed up to the date of death do form part of the estate.
Can I inherit my spouse's State Pension?
Sometimes, depending on when you reached State Pension age and their record. Ask the Pension Service.
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