DWP State Pension UK: A heartfelt new petition is gathering momentum, urging the government to transform who can inherit a person’s State Pension. The appeal, hosted on the UK Parliament’s official petitions site, calls on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to radically widen the rules to reflect the diversity of modern family structures and dependencies.
Currently, the ability to inherit any extra State Pension benefits or protected payments is almost exclusively limited to a surviving spouse or civil partner. The campaign argues this leaves countless families in a precarious position.
The petition states: “We believe in having a system that recognises real-world relationships and dependency.” It highlights that unmarried long-term partners, adult children—especially those with disabilities—and other financially dependent carers are entirely excluded under the present system, regardless of their reliance on that income.
The proposed change would allow individuals to nominate a beneficiary of their choice. This could provide a vital safety net for a loved one after a bereavement, whether through ongoing payments or a lump sum, helping to protect them from financial hardship.
What Are the Current State Pension Inheritance Rules?
The existing rules are complex and depend on when you reached State Pension age. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016: You might be able to claim additional payments from your partner’s pension record when you claim your own. However, you typically cannot claim this if you remarry or form a new civil partnership before you reach your own State Pension age.
If you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016: You are on the ‘new State Pension’. It is harder to inherit from a partner, but it is still possible in some circumstances to receive an extra amount on top of your own pension payment.
The crucial takeaway: In both cases, inheritance is primarily a benefit for married couples and civil partners. The government always advises contacting the Pension Service directly to get a personalised understanding of what you, or your loved ones, may be entitled to.
This petition shines a light on a pressing issue for many, questioning whether our pension system needs to evolve to better protect all those we care about.
Answers to “People Also Ask” Questions (Based on Google Search Intent):
Q: Who can inherit a State Pension in the UK?
A: Currently, only a surviving spouse or civil partner can generally inherit extra State Pension benefits. There are very limited exceptions for some unmarried partners if they are entitled to a death benefit payment, but they cannot inherit the ongoing pension itself. This is the core issue the new petition seeks to change.
Q: What happens to my State Pension when I die?
A: When you die, your State Pension payments stop. Any unpaid amount (e.g., if you passed away after your last payment was made) may be claimed by the executor of your estate. The main pension benefits, however, can typically only be passed on to a surviving husband, wife, or civil partner, not to children or other family members.
Q: Can an unmarried partner claim my State Pension?
A: Under the current rules, it is very difficult. Unmarried partners do not have an automatic right to inherit any extra State Pension in the same way a spouse does. This is a significant point of contention, as the petition highlights that long-term cohabiting partners are often financially interdependent yet excluded from this form of protection.
Q: How do I claim inherited State Pension?
A: If you believe you are eligible to inherit something from your partner’s State Pension (as a spouse or civil partner), you should not need to make a separate claim. The Pension Service should usually contact you after your partner’s death. However, it is always recommended to proactively contact the Pension Service yourself to ensure your entitlement is processed correctly and without delay.