Usually, death benefits under your private pension do not form part of your estate under your will because most pensions are set up under a discretionary trust and the pension administrator has discretion as to who receives the death benefits.

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It is therefore important that you complete the letter of wishes or nomination form provided to you by your pension company, stating who (your nominee) should receive any death benefits. While payments will still be in the discretion of the pension company, death benefits will usually pass to your ‘nominee’ who normally receives the benefits tax free.

If you have not completed the form or you cannot remember whether you have completed the form or who you nominated, contact your pension provider to clarify this.

Do also keep the nomination up to date. This is particularly important if you get married or divorced, or your spouse or partner dies.

The foregoing only applies to any private pensions you might have. Different rules apply to your state pension which generally stops when you die (with no benefit passing to your spouse/partner). There are a few very limited exceptions to this.