Non-State Pension and Civil Partnerships

Since December 2005 it has been possible for same-sex couples over sixteen years old to register their relationship as a civil partnership. This offers same-sex couples equality with married couples in terms of rights and entitlements. In terms of your non-state pension, civil partners should find that they are treated the same way as heterosexual married couples from 2010, when there are procedures in place to ensure equal treatment of men and women. Your civil benefits may enable you to inherit a part of your late partner's pension fund in the event of your death.

If you die your survivors, including your civil partner, may be entitled to a death benefit paid by your pension scheme. For more information see article Pension in event of a Death. The benefit to which your partner is entitled will depend on the terms and conditions of your pension scheme. Some pension schemes will pay death benefits automatically, others will require you to have made particular arrangements to provide for your dependents and / or survivors through your pension scheme. These can be anything from signing a declaration to nominate your partner to receive your death benefits to paying extra charges to ensure your partner is provided for after your death.

Pension scheme administrators are not obligated to follow your request, and if they deem it prudent they can decide not to give your money to the person you nominated. However, this measure is intended to prevent unfairness, for example, if you nominated your first child and died suddenly without having nominated your second child also. Your pension scheme provider is not allowed to dictate the division of your money in a sexually or gender prejudiced way. If you have questions or concerns regarding your civil partnership and how it may affect your pension, contact your pension scheme administrator or telephone the Pension Service on 0845 606 0265.