How Long Is a Pension Paid After Death? Survivor Benefits Explained

Wondering what happens to a pension after death? Learn how long pensions are paid, who can inherit them, and how different pensions provide survivor benefits.

Pensions are designed to provide financial security during retirement, but what happens to your pension after you die? Does it stop immediately, or can your spouse, partner, or children continue receiving payments?

The answer depends on the type of pension you had, your age at death, and whether you had nominated beneficiaries. Some pensions stop immediately, while others continue for years or even for life if survivor benefits apply.

This guide explains how long pensions continue after death, who can inherit them, and how different pension types handle payments.

What Happens to Different Pensions After Death?

1. State Pension – Payments Stop Immediately

The UK State Pension stops immediately when the recipient dies. Payments do not continue for a set period, but in some cases, a spouse or civil partner may inherit extra pension benefits.

  • If the deceased reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, their surviving spouse may inherit a portion of the Basic State Pension or Additional State Pension (SERPS).

  • If they reached State Pension age after 6 April 2016, the new State Pension system only allows for limited inheritance by a spouse if they do not already receive the full State Pension.

Unmarried partners and children cannot inherit State Pension payments.

How long is State Pension paid after death?

  • No payments continue—it stops as soon as the pension holder dies.

  • A surviving spouse may inherit a percentage, but this does not continue indefinitely.

2. Defined Contribution Pensions – Payments Can Continue

A Defined Contribution (DC) pension is a personal or workplace pension where money is built up over time through contributions and investment growth.

  • If the pension holder dies before 75, the full pension can usually be passed on tax-free to a nominated beneficiary.

  • If they die after 75, the pension can still be inherited, but beneficiaries pay income tax on withdrawals at their normal tax rate.

How long is a Defined Contribution pension paid after death?

If taken as a lump sum – The pension is paid out once.
If taken as drawdown – Payments can continue for life if the beneficiary withdraws funds gradually.
If used to buy an annuity – Payments depend on the annuity type (see below).

If no beneficiary is nominated, the pension may be paid to the estate, which could result in tax being applied.

3. Defined Benefit Pensions (Final Salary & Career Average) – Survivor Benefits May Apply

A Defined Benefit (DB) pension, such as a final salary or career average pension, pays a guaranteed income for life.

  • When the pension holder dies, payments do not continue in full.

  • Instead, the scheme may offer a reduced survivor’s pension to a spouse, civil partner, or dependent child.

  • Some pensions stop completely if there is no surviving dependent.

How long is a Defined Benefit pension paid after death?

  • Spouse’s pension – Usually 50% to 66% of the pension is paid for life to the surviving spouse or civil partner.

  • Dependent children’s pension – Payments usually continue until age 18 or 23 (if in full-time education).

  • No surviving dependents? – The pension stops immediately unless a guarantee period was chosen.

Each pension scheme has different rules, so it’s essential to check with your provider.

4. Annuities – Payments Depend on the Type of Annuity

If a pension holder used their pension savings to buy an annuity, what happens after death depends on the type of annuity chosen.

  • Single-Life Annuity – Payments stop immediately upon death, with no further benefits.

  • Joint-Life Annuity – A reduced pension continues for the surviving spouse or partner (typically 50% to 100% of the original payment).

  • Guaranteed Period Annuity – If the pension holder dies within the guaranteed period (e.g., 10 years), payments continue to the beneficiary until the period ends.

How long is an annuity paid after death?

  • Single-life annuity – Stops immediately.

  • Joint-life annuity – Continues for the life of the surviving partner.

  • Guaranteed period annuity – Pays out until the guarantee period ends (e.g., 5 or 10 years).

Choosing a joint-life or guaranteed annuity ensures the pension continues for longer after death.

Who Can Inherit a Pension?

Spouse or Civil Partner               

  • State Pension – May inherit a portion (but not indefinitely).

  • Defined Contribution pensions – Can inherit the full amount (tax-free before 75, taxable after 75).

  • Defined Benefit pensions – Often receive 50% to 66% of the pension income.

  • Annuities – Can receive ongoing payments if a joint-life or guaranteed annuity was chosen.

Unmarried Partner

  • State Pension – Cannot be inherited.

  • Defined Contribution pensions – Can be inherited if named as a beneficiary.

  • Defined Benefit pensions – Some schemes allow inheritance, but not guaranteed.

Children & Dependents

  • Defined Benefit pensions – Some schemes provide a children’s pension until age 18 or 23 if in full-time education.

  • Defined Contribution pensions – Can inherit the full amount, but usually placed in a trust until adulthood.

Other Nominated Beneficiaries

  • Defined Contribution pensions can be left to anyone named as a beneficiary.

  • If no beneficiary is named, the pension may be paid into the estate, which could be taxed.

How to Ensure Your Pension Continues After Death

To make sure your pension is inherited correctly, take these steps:

  1. Check Your Pension Scheme’s Rules

    • Contact your pension provider to understand how your pension will be passed on.

  2. Nominate Beneficiaries

    • In Defined Contribution pensions, fill out a nomination or expression of wish form.

    • Without a beneficiary, the pension may go to your estate, which could be taxed.

  3. Consider a Joint-Life Annuity

    • If buying an annuity, choose a joint-life or guaranteed period option to ensure payments continue for your spouse or dependents.

  4. Keep Your Pension Details Up to Date

    • Review pension nominations every few years, especially after marriage, divorce, or having children.

Final Thoughts: How Long Is a Pension Paid After Death?

  • State Pension stops immediately, but a spouse may inherit a small amount.

  • Defined Contribution pensions can be passed on tax-free (before 75) or taxed (after 75).

  • Defined Benefit pensions often pay a reduced amount to a surviving spouse for life.

  • Annuities stop unless a joint-life or guaranteed option was chosen.

If you want to ensure your pension provides for loved ones, nominate a beneficiary and check with your pension provider.