Parent's Pension - are children eligible

Toshi_2

Hi all

My father died last week (81 years) - phoned his pension company to stop his pension. They informed us that his children/grand children may be eligible for benefits?. We need to complete a" supplementary special circumstances form" - and state what circumstances surrounding other beneficiaries that were dependent on the deceased?

Has my father lived with and contributed to paying the bills - could this be a valid reason or why do we need justify, if surplus pension funds are still outstanding?


Any advise will be great full

jem16

Toshi wrote: »

Has my father lived with and contributed to paying the bills - could this be a valid reason or why do we need justify, if surplus pension funds are still outstanding?

The answer to this depends on what type of pension it is - ie was it Defined Benefit?

When children/grandchildren are involved it usually means that they are dependent on the Pensioner and are still in full-time education.

Much depends on the rules of the scheme.

Toshi_2

Hi Jem16 - thanks you for your quick reply.

I need to find out the type of pension - tomorrow.

We lived my with father in share house, unfortunately we are all adults and am still single(but shared the cost of running the house) and grand children are in full time - education below theage of 18 at the time of their grand -dad death.

According to pension statement - it says -"if you die without a leaving legal widow or widower, the Trustees may at discretion pay a pension to a surviving partner or to someone who was financially dependent on you"

Thanks in advance

jem16

Toshi wrote: »

According to pension statement - it says -"if you die without a leaving legal widow or widower, the Trustees may at discretion pay a pension to a surviving partner or to someone who was financially dependent on you"

Thanks in advance

I can't see you being financially dependent on your father but you never know.

Toshi_2

Hi Jem16

The pension is - Defined deferred benefit pension

atush

So, did your father contribute to the household expenses? In such measure (ie 50% or more) that the grandchildren may be considered his dependents?

That would be the only argument I can see for a DB pension. Write a letter to the trustees.

Otherwise you and your children wont inherit anything from his pension and have to be satisfied with the contents of his estate.

Toshi_2

Hi Atush

Thanks - Already completed forms forward by pension company.

They advised us that the children/grand-children might be eligible.
would be nice to know the balance reminding the pension?

or it disappears towards some one fat bonus

atush

no it does not work like that. first there is no 'pot' if it is a DB pension. Which is essentially a promise to pay you a certain % of your final salary for the rest of your life.

Second, money from people who die young, subsidizes the payments to those who die really old. Not to bonuses.