This depends on the type of pension you have and the options you’ve chosen. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used. Marie Curie support services are free to call and open, Coronavirus if you’re affected by terminal illness. You can find more information about the rules surrounding this on the Government website. However, they may still be able to inherit part of your pension. On hand to help with your pension – and anything else. If you have a private pension and you've not taken an income from it. We use these to improve our website and your experience. Making a will gives you reassurance that what you own will go to the people who matter most to you. It may also pay a pension to your children until they leave full time education. The exact benefits vary from scheme to scheme. If you’ve got more questions or need support – whether it’s to do with your pension or anything else – we’re here to help. There are two main types of private or workplace pension - defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. You can speak to your pension scheme administrator or contact the Pensions Advisory Service for more information. Monday to Friday9am to 5pmWe may record and monitor calls. If so, the terms of the pension will need to be checked. So you’ll probably want to know what will happen to it when you die. Payments will continue until the end of the guarantee period, these will be paid to your estate or dependant on the policy, An income is to be paid to a dependant and they are still alive, You have chosen to continue your value protection beyond the first 90 days of your plan start date, in which case a lump sum may be payable to your estate or your dependant's estate, If you’re under 75, any drawdown benefits can usually be passed on free of tax. If you pay into a work pension scheme, you may be able to withdraw your pension early because you’re ill. What impact does coronavirus have on your pension or investment policy? The amounts paid out from personal or workplace pensions when you die depends on the type of pension scheme you belong to and whether you’ve already started receiving your pension benefits. Remaining guaranteed instalments and payments from annuities may be subject to inheritance tax depending on the circumstances. What happens to your pension when you die? Find out more about online chat. This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. Our trained team, including nurses, can answer any questions about end of life. The pensions paid to dependants are usually less than the pension you would have received, You die within the first 90 days of your plan start date, in which case if your annuity has value protection it will be applied and a lump sum will be paid to your estate. Call us on 0800 090 2309. If your spouse or civil partner is eligible, they will receive the additional payment when they claim their own pension. We're here to help with practical information and emotional support. If your partner finds it difficult to resolve a problem with a pension, they can contact the Pensions Ombudsman on 0800 917 4487. If you're ok with cookies, please accept the recommended settings. You can read more about these pension schemes on the Pensions Advisory Service or Money Advice Service. If you're interested in finding out more about leaving money for your family when you die, or more about the State Pension, take a look here: Our colleagues in Cardiff are always happy to help with your questions.