Death Benefits
If you die while you are an active member (and your service was at least 12 months), a lump sum death grant of 3 times your annual Pensionable Earnings at the time of your death (Final Pay) will be paid:
- to your surviving spouse or civil partner;
- if you have no spouse or civil partner, at the discretion of the Police Force, to a declared partner;
- if you have no spouse, no civil partner and no declared partner, at the discretion of the Police Force, to a person nominated by you;
- otherwise, to your legal personal representative, usually the Executor of your Will, and it will thus form part of your Estate.
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 partner, if you have one, but it would take effect if you have no spouse, civil partner or declared partner or if you and your spouse, civil partner or declared partner were to die at the same time.
Note that an Expression of Wish for a lump sum death grant is not the same as a declared partner declaration. The Expression of Wish for a lump sum death grant only relates to the payment of that grant.
Example
A part-time member of the Police Force dies while a member of the 2015 Scheme. When s/he died her/his current annual Pensionable Earnings was £8,400 per year and her/his full time equivalent pay was £21,000 per year.
The lump sum death grant payable in respect of her/his death would be £8,400 × 3 = £25,200.
Please Note
If you work part-time, the lump sum will be 3 times your annual Pensionable Earnings (Final Pay) paid to you for your part-time work.