Police Pension Scheme

Death Benefits

If you die while a serving Officer, provided you were a member of the 2006 Scheme (and had not opted out) at the time of your death, a lump sum death grant of 3 times your annual pensionable pay at the time will be paid to:

  • your spouse or civil partner, if you have one;
  • if you have no spouse or civil partner, and at the discretion of the Police Force, to an unmarried partner (if all relevant documentation has been completed);
  • if you have no spouse, civil partner or declared unmarried partner, and again at the discretion of the Police Force, to a person nominated by you;
  • otherwise, to your personal representative - usually the Executor of your will, and thus will form part of your Estate.

Note that a death grant becomes payable irrespective of your length of service.

If you wish to nominate someone to receive your lump sum death grant you should complete a Death Grant Expression of Wish form. An Expression of Wish does not override the provision that the grant will go to a surviving spouse, civil partner or declared unmarried partner, if you have one, but it would take effect if you have no spouse or partner or if both you and your spouse or partner were to die at the same time.

Note that an Expression of Wish in respect of the lump sum death grant is not the same as an unmarried partner declaration. The Expression of Wish only relates to the payment of this grant.

If you work part-time, the lump sum will be 3 times your annual pensionable pay as a part-timer.

Example

Tony's full time equivalent pay is £30,000 per year, but he works 32 hours a week, so his annual pensionable pay is £24,000 per year (32/40 x £30,000).

If he were to die in service whilst he is a member of the 2006 Scheme, the lump sum death grant payable in respect of his death would be £72,000 (3 x £24,000).

  • Survivor Benefits
  • Children's Pensions