State pension and benefits

Soon after death, you will probably have completed the “Certificate of registration of death” form (BD8). If you have not, you should do so. See our guide “What is the certificate of registration of death (form BD8)?”.

Form BD8 is submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions (“DWP”), the body responsible for state pensions and benefits. The DWP or The Pension Service, which is one of the DWP’s agencies, should contact you some time after it has processed the form.

The state pension and benefits position should, therefore, be dealt with “automatically”, without further input from you.

Debt or refund

If the deceased died while entitled to a state pension or state benefits, there may be an amount due to the estate, or an overpayment due from the estate. The DWP should advise.

If in doubt, or if you are waiting for confirmation from the DWP, contact The Pension Service.

Lump sum payout

If, during their lifetime, the deceased did not claim their state pension for at least 12 months, a lump sum payout may be due to the estate. The value of the lump sum should be added to the value of the estate for inheritance tax purposes.