Pension what happens if i die

To find out more, see the Allocation factsheet. To apply for allocation, please complete the Allocation application form. Log in to My USS to complete these online or download the Expression of Wish form or Registration of potential dependant form to print and return to us. You get life cover whilst paying in to USS.

This means if you die whilst paying in, your loved ones may be able to get a lump sum of three times your salary — and a pension too. Read more on our what happens when you die page. Skip to content Skip to menu. Certain conditions apply, and coverage is not guaranteed. Your spouse is automatically your beneficiary unless they waived their right to a pre-retirement death benefit.

If your spouse is your beneficiary, their options depend on your age when you die:. If you do not have a spouse or your spouse has waived their right to a pre-retirement death benefit, your beneficiaries will receive a lump-sum death benefit equal to the greater of:. If you do not have a spouse and have not named a beneficiary through the plan or in your will, the benefit is paid to your estate.

When paying death benefits to a former spouse, we follow the terms in your signed separation agreement or registered court order. Get started now. Have a question? Call our UK team Pensions explained Pension rules. Pension basics Introduction to pensions What is a pension?

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What is an AVC pension? What is a SSAS pension? Alternatively, if you are in receipt of an ill health pension and die before normal retirement age, the lump sum will be equal to four times your pensionable salary when your service ceased, less any lump sum you chose to take on retirement under the cash option.

The trustees have discretion over who receives the cash and in what proportion. They will take into account your wishes regarding the choice of beneficiaries, but cannot be bound by them. If you do not take a partial refund of your own contributions your qualifying spouse or nominated dependant will be entitled to two-thirds of your full pension.

Mr Williams retires at age He nominates Mr Willis as his dependant. Your qualifying children will be entitled to a third share two-thirds if there is no qualifying spouse of your full pension. Children cease to be eligible for a pension when they reach At the trustees' discretion, they may continue to receive one until they finish full-time education - which is normally first degree or equivalent. If there is no qualifying spouse or nominated dependant, the trustees have discretion to award a pension to any person who was financially dependent on you at the date of your death or when your pension started.

Your qualifying spouse or nominated dependant will be entitled to half of your full pension. Your qualifying children up to a maximum of two will each be entitled to a quarter half if there is no qualifying spouse of the pension you would have received had you remained in pensionable service until normal retirement age, but based on your final pensionable salary at the date of your death.