Can a Child Collect a Deceased Parent’s Pension

Can a Child Collect a Deceased Parent’s Pension?

Losing a parent is an emotionally difficult time, and for families with dependent children, there can also be serious financial implications. Many people ask whether a child can receive a deceased parent’s pension — and in some cases, the answer is yes.

This article explains when and how a child may be entitled to receive pension payments after a parent dies, what schemes provide this support, and what steps families can take to ensure benefits are claimed correctly.

Do pensions provide for children?

Some pension schemes, particularly public sector and occupational pensions, include dependant’s benefits. These are payments made to eligible dependants — such as a surviving spouse, civil partner, or child — after the member’s death.

For children, these are usually known as child pensions or children’s pensions. They’re most commonly available through:

• Public sector pension schemes (e.g. NHS, Teachers, Civil Service, Armed Forces)

• Defined benefit (final salary) workplace pensions

• Some defined contribution pensions, if a nomination has been made

Personal pensions and SIPPs may not provide child pensions automatically, but funds can be passed on in other ways.

Who qualifies as a ‘child dependant’?

To receive a child’s pension, the child usually must:

• Be the biological, adopted, or legal child of the deceased

• Be under a certain age (typically 18, or up to 23 if in full-time education)

• Be financially dependent on the parent at the time of death

• Not be married or in a civil partnership

Some schemes may provide benefits to disabled children of any age if they were dependent on the parent.

Each scheme has its own eligibility rules, so it’s important to check with the specific pension provider or scheme administrator.

How much does a child receive?

The amount paid to a child from a parent’s pension varies depending on the scheme, service history, and whether other dependants are also receiving benefits. Typically:

• It’s a percentage of the parent’s pension entitlement (e.g. 25% or 33%)

• If multiple children are eligible, the amount may be split equally

• Payments are usually tax-free if the parent died before age 75

• Some schemes offer a minimum guaranteed period of payment (e.g. 5 years)

For example, in the NHS Pension Scheme, if a member dies while still employed, each eligible child may receive a pension of around 25% of the member’s pension entitlement — or more if no adult dependant is claiming.

What about lump sum death benefits?

Even if a child is not entitled to a regular pension, they may still benefit from a lump sum death benefit. If no adult dependant has been nominated, and the member nominated their child as the beneficiary, the full lump sum could be paid to them — either outright or held in trust until they reach adulthood.

If no nomination was made, the provider or scheme administrator will decide how the lump sum is distributed, often in line with the member’s wishes or legal next of kin.

How to claim a deceased parent’s pension

If a parent has died, and you believe a child may be entitled to a pension or lump sum:

1. Contact the pension provider or scheme administrator as soon as possible

2. Provide a death certificate and the parent’s pension details

3. Submit any requested documentation (e.g. birth certificates, proof of dependency, education status)

4. If necessary, seek legal advice about establishing guardianship or setting up a trust for the child’s benefit

Where the child is under 18, payments will usually be made to a parent, guardian, or trustee to manage on their behalf.

Does State Pension provide for children?

No. The UK State Pension cannot be inherited by children. However, bereaved parents may be eligible for benefits such as:

• Guardian’s Allowance – if the child is orphaned or one parent has died and the other is unknown

• Child Benefit – continues as normal, assuming eligibility

• Bereavement Support Payment – paid to spouses or civil partners, not children

The State Pension system does not offer child pensions in the way that occupational schemes do.

Final thoughts

While children cannot inherit a State Pension, they may be eligible for pension benefits if a deceased parent was a member of a public sector or occupational pension scheme. These benefits may include:

• A regular child pension until age 18 or 23

• A lump sum death benefit, if nominated

• Ongoing support via a legal guardian or trust

If you’ve lost a loved one and are unsure about entitlements, speak to the employer’s pension team or the provider directly. You can also seek free guidance from organisations like MoneyHelper or Citizens Advice.