Pension death benefits - Everything you need to know

Death benefits options differ dramatically between defined benefit schemes and defined contribution schemes, with the former not having evolved much over the years when it comes to spouse, civil partners and dependent children.

However, major changes introduced in Pensions Act 2015 to provide greater pension freedoms for DC schemes allowed people over 55 to have full access to their pension at only marginal tax rates, and the ability to pass on their pension tax-free to their beneficiaries, with some exceptions. 

Here you will find out the nuances of these freedoms and the impact of the relevant pension scheme's own rules on what can be done with a pension after someone's death.