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Recent research by Aviva*, has revealed that almost 15% of UK adults don’t know who will get their pension benefits if they die before taking them. And a further 3% are worried they could go to their ex-partner, rather than the person they’re currently with.

Read on to find out who could benefit from your pension in the Railways Pension Scheme, and how to have your say on where the money goes when you die…

Who can benefit from my pension?

The benefits that can be paid when you die are set by the Scheme Rules and Trustee. Rules vary between sections, and depending on whether you’re still paying into the Scheme, so please check your Member Guide (and your Key Features leaflet if you’re an IWDC member) for full details. This can be found in the ‘My Library’ area when you log in to your myRPS account.

As a general overview…

For DB members, your death benefits may include:

• a tax-free cash lump sum
• a pension for a spouse, children or other dependant
  

For IWDC members, your death benefits may include:

• the value of your Personal Retirement Account (PRA) being paid to your beneficiaries
• an additional tax-free lump sum
  

Can I have a say in where the money goes?

Who gets your lump sum (and the remaining value of your PRA if you’re an IWDC member) is at the discretion of the Trustee.

You can let them know who you think the lump sum should be paid to by making a nomination.

While the Trustee does not have to follow your nomination, it is an important piece of information that it will consider.

Making a nomination could also make the process quicker and may prevent delays in any lump sum being paid, which can have tax implications.

If you’re a DB member, a nomination only applies to any cash lump sum  that may be paid out. It does not affect who can get a pension from the Scheme if you die. This is set out in the Scheme Rules, and is typically limited to a spouse, children or other dependant. Pease check your Member Guide for further details. This can be found in the ‘My Library’ area when you log in to your myRPS account.

How to make/change a nomination

It is quickest and easiest to nominate online. Simply log in to your myRPS account, select 'my nominations' and follow a few short steps. It should only take a few minutes. If you haven't got a myRPS account, you can register now. 

Alternatively, you can download and print a nomination form. Once complete, please return it to the Scheme administrator, Railpen, using the address on the form. 

You can find out more about who you can nominate, and how, on the nominations for death benefits page. 

Please remember to check and update your nominations regularly, as the person or people you want to benefit may change over time and it’s important the Trustee knows your wishes are up to date.

*https://www.aviva.com/newsroom/news-releases/2025/05/do-you-know-who-will-inherit-your-pension/