Alternative and unsecured pension funds and disposals

These arrangements will apply only to a small minority of estates.

If in doubt, consult the deceased’s pension providers.

If the answer to any of the following questions is “yes”, it will not be possible to use the Return of estate information form (IHT205). The IHT400 must be completed instead.

Did the deceased receive benefits from an alternatively secured pension fund as the original scheme member?

The answer must be “no” for anyone born before 6 April 1931 or after 21 June 1935.

Did the deceased receive benefits a dependant’s pension from an alternatively secured or unsecured pension fund?

For example, the answer may “yes” if the deceased became entitled to a pension fund as a relevant dependant of a member who died with an alternatively secured pension fund.

A dependant includes spouse or civil partner or child of the member, or a person who was financially dependent on the member.

Did the deceased change or dispose of their pension in the 2 years before they died?

Ignore pensions paid to a surviving spouse or civil partner and ignore state pensions.

The answer is “no” if the deceased was drawing their retirement pension in full.

For further details, see HMRC’s guidance document: Notes to help you fill in form IHT205 (IHT206).