Depending on your status at the time of your death (active, deferred, or pensioner), the fund may pay a lump-sum death grant and an ongoing pension to your eligible dependants. This page provides an overview; visit our page 'What happens to your pension when you die' for more details.

Protection for you and your family

Watch the video below to learn what happens to your pension if you die or have to retire due to ill health.

Read a transcript.

Tell us who you want the death grant paid to (expression of wish)

The Oxfordshire Pension Fund has absolute discretion over who receives any death grant. Completing or updating an expression of wish helps guide the decision and can speed up payment. 

You can nominate more than one person or, if you wish, a charity. Your nominees do not have to be related to you or dependent on you. 

Add or update your expression of wish

If you're an active member (still paying in)

Death grant

A death grant is usually three times your pensionable pay (salary used for pension), paid at the fund's discretion to your nominated beneficiaries. If you also hold a deferred LGPS record elsewhere, the fund will check which death grant it can pay so that it pays the correct amount. 

Partner's pension

The fund may pay a pension to one of the following:

  • an eligible spouse
  • civil partner
  • cohabiting partner - must meet LGPS conditions, and you must have paid into the LGPS on or after 1 April 2008

Children's pension

The fund may pay a pension to an eligible child. The child or children must meet LGPS conditions at the time of your death. 

If you're a deferred member (left the scheme but not yet drawing your pension)

Death grant

A lump sum is normally payable if you die before taking your pension (and before age 75). The exact amount depends on the LGPS regulations that applied when you left. Contact us for details. 

Partner's pension 

The fund may pay a pension to one of the following:

  • an eligible spouse
  • civil partner
  • cohabiting partner - must meet LGPS conditions, and you must have paid into the LGPS on or after 1 April 2008

Children's pension

The fund may pay a pension to an eligible child. The child or children must meet LGPS conditions at the time of your death. 

If you're a pensioner (already receiving your LGPS pension)

Death grant

If you left the LGPS on or after 1 April 2008 and die under age 75 within 10 years of retirement, a lump sum is usually payable:

  • equal to 10 times your annual pension (before any lump sum exchange)
  • minus the pension already paid to you

Different rules apply if you left before 1 April 2008. 

Partner's pension 

The fund may pay a pension to one of the following:

  • an eligible spouse
  • civil partner
  • cohabiting partner

Variations apply depending on your membership. Visit the LGPS website for further details.

Children's pension

If you still have eligible children after retirement, the fund may pay them a pension. Variations apply depending on your membership. 

How to report a death to the pension fund

In the event of your death, your next of kin or executor should inform us as soon as possible. Ensure they are aware that you are receiving an LGPS pension.