After you die

You can nominate somebody to receive some benefits from the RMPP when you die. They could be eligible for a lump sum and/or a pension, depending on whether you die before or after you start receiving your pension benefits.

It’s important that you tell us who you would like to get any benefits when you die. You can do this by checking and updating your beneficiaries instantly though our online portal.

If you need to tell us about the death of someone who was a member of the RMPP you can complete a form here. Alternatively, you can contact thePensions Service Centre – their details can be found below.

If you die and have not yet started receiving your pension, the following benefits will be paid – part from the RMPP and part from the RMSPS.

A lump sum. The amount will be:

  • Five times the annual rate of the Age60 and Age65 benefits built up at the date of your death PLUS
  • the actual value of your Cash Balance fund (i.e. not reduced for early payment) 


A pension. This will be paid to your spouse or civil partner, and will be up to half the Age60 and Age65 benefits that you would have received when you became a deferred member, had you reached age 60 (for Age60 benefits) and age 65 (for Age65 benefits). There may be children’s pensions payable as well, usually until they turn 18.

If you are a Section B member and not married or in a civil partnership, a pension may be payable to someone who is financially dependent on you (such as a partner you live with).

It’s important that you tell us who you would like to get any benefits when you die. You can do this by checking and updating your beneficiaries instantly though our online portal.

If you’re already taking some of your benefits when you die, different amounts will be paid

If you die after you’ve started taking all your benefits, your spouse or civil partner will get a pension. If you’re not married or in a civil partnership, you can nominate someone who is financially dependent on you to receive the pension. And if you die within five years of starting to take your benefits, a lump sum is paid too. This is equal to the balance of the remaining unpaid pension up to the five-year limit.

It’s important that you tell us who you would like to get any benefits when you die. You can do this by checking and updating your beneficiaries instantly though our online portal.

If you’re only taking some of your benefits when you die, different amounts will be paid.

If you don’t know which section you’re in, contact the Helpline (contact details are at the bottom of the page); or If you recieve an Annual Benefit Illustration the section is noted on the front page.