How Long Is a Pension Paid After Death

Find out how long pensions are paid after death, including State Pension, workplace ensions, annuities, and survivor benefits.

How Long Is a Pension Paid After Death?

When someone dies, understanding what happens to their pension is an important part of managing their affairs and supporting any surviving family members. Whether a pension continues to be paid — and for how long — depends on the type of pension scheme involved and the circumstances of the individual’s death.

This article explains how long pensions are paid after death, covering the State Pension, defined benefit schemes, defined contribution pensions, and survivor benefits.

State Pension

The UK State Pension does not continue to be paid after death. Payments stop as soon as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is notified of the person’s death.

However, in some cases:

  • A final payment may still be due, depending on the timing of the death and how payments were made (weekly or four-weekly)

  • Overpayments made after death may need to be repaid by the estate

Can a spouse inherit the State Pension?

A surviving spouse or civil partner cannot inherit the full State Pension, but may be entitled to:

  • Part of the deceased’s Additional State Pension or protected payment

  • Bereavement Support Payment if under State Pension age and the death occurred within the last 21 months

Entitlement depends on the deceased’s National Insurance record and when each person reached State Pension age.

Defined Benefit Pensions (e.g. NHS, Teachers, Civil Service)

Defined benefit pensions — also known as final salary or career average schemes — do not simply stop at death. Instead, they may continue to provide:

1. Short-term pension payments

Some public sector schemes (e.g. NHS) offer short-term continuation payments to dependants:

  • These are typically paid for three to six months after death

  • They match the member’s pension or salary and help cover immediate living costs

2. Long-term survivor pensions

After the short-term period, many schemes provide a reduced pension to:

  • A spouse or civil partner (typically 33% to 50% of the member’s pension)

  • Eligible dependent children, usually up to age 18 or 23 if in full-time education

  • In some cases, dependent adult children with disabilities

These survivor pensions are usually paid for life (in the case of a spouse) or until the child is no longer eligible. The exact amount and duration depend on the scheme rules and the member’s service history.

Defined Contribution Pensions (e.g. personal pensions, SIPPs)

Defined contribution pensions are based on the value of the pension pot. When the pension holder dies:

  • Payments do not continue automatically

  • Instead, the remaining fund is passed to the nominated beneficiary

  • The beneficiary can:

    • Take a lump sum

    • Use drawdown to receive income

    • Purchase an annuity for a guaranteed income

    • Leave the money invested

The pension pot remains available until it is fully withdrawn by the beneficiary — it is not paid out in the same way as a salary or fixed-term pension.

There is no fixed period for how long the money lasts. It depends entirely on how the beneficiary chooses to use it.

Annuities

If the deceased had used their pension to buy an annuity, whether payments continue after death depends on the type of annuity they chose:

1. Single-life annuity

  • Payments stop when the annuitant dies

  • No further income is paid to survivors

2. Joint-life annuity

  • Continues paying an income to a surviving spouse or partner

  • Typically set at 50% or 66% of the original annuity

  • Paid for life to the second person

3. Guaranteed period annuity

  • Pays income for a minimum term (e.g. 5 or 10 years), even if the person dies during that period

  • If the person dies before the guarantee ends, payments continue to a nominated beneficiary until the term expires

Lump Sum Death Benefits

Many pensions provide a tax-free lump sum if the member dies before age 75, which is usually paid out within two years. After age 75, the lump sum is still paid, but subject to income tax at the recipient’s marginal rate.

Once paid, the lump sum is not an ongoing pension — it is a one-off payment.

Summary: How long pensions continue after death

Pension Type PaymentAfterDeath

State Pension Stops immediately, except any final payments owed

Defined Benefit Pension Spouse’s pension may continue for life; children’s until 18/23

Defined Contribution Pension Pot is inherited; payments continue until the funds are used

Annuity Depends on type: may stop, or continue for set period or spouse

Final thoughts

How long a pension is paid after death depends on the scheme type and the benefits you have chosen or accrued. While the State Pension ends on death, many workplace pensions offer ongoing payments to surviving spouses, partners, or dependent children. Defined contribution pensions can be passed on as a flexible pot, and annuities may continue if joint or guaranteed options were selected.

To ensure your wishes are followed and your loved ones are supported, it is essential to:

  • Nominate your beneficiaries with each pension provider

  • Understand your scheme’s rules and benefits

  • Review your choices regularly, especially after life events such as marriage or divorce