If you die before accessing your deferred benefits, a lump sum death grant is paid, as well as a spouse's / qualifying partner's pension and children's pensions, where appropriate.

Lump sum

To protect your loved ones you can add/update your nominations using our new member portal.

If you haven’t signed up already, all you need to do to set up your account once you’ve clicked the link above is:

1. Press ‘Create an account’
2. Press ‘Lets Begin’
3. Enter Surname, Date of Birth and National Insurance Number, then press ‘Submit’

If you have not got an email address linked to your record for security a letter will be sent out in the post with an activation code for you to log in to your member portal.

Alternatively you can update your nominations using our Death Grant Nomination Form.

If you fail to nominate someone for the death grant, it might take longer for it to be paid and the person receiving it might also have to pay inheritance tax.

It is your responsibility to tell us if you change your mind over whom you want to receive the death grant.

If you have separate rights as an active and a deferred / pensioner member, the death grant payable is the highest of the death grants. These amounts will not be added together.

Pensions

There is no need to nominate your husband, wife, civil partner, or dependent children for a pension payable on your death.

If you left after 31 March 2008 and if you are not married or are not in a civil partnership, but have:

• lived with someone for 2 years at the time of your death
• whilst both of you have been free to marry
• whilst you have been financially interdependent

a cohabiting partner can receive a survivor’s pension provided s/he meets the criteria under the LGPS regulations.