Planning for the future
Nobody really wants to have to think about death but it’s important to know that, when you die, your USS pension could go some way towards looking after your loved ones.
Looking after your loved ones
So, what happens to your pension when you die?
A lump sum
If you die within the first five years of retiring, a lump sum may be payable to one or more nominated beneficiaries. Generally, it will be broadly three times your annual salary (up to the salary threshold) at the time you retire, minus any lump sum benefits and pension already received. Any Investment Builder savings you still have invested at the time you die will also go to your beneficiaries. Payment of the lump sum is at the discretion of the trustee but the member's wishes will be taken into account. A lump sum will not be payable if you die more than five years after retiring.
Your partner and children
A spouse or civil partner could get a pension for life of roughly half the standard pension you began receiving when you retired.
If you have eligible children below age 18, or below 23 if they’re in full-time education, they could also receive a pension.
Other dependants
You can tell us who you’d like to receive a dependant’s pension when you die. What they might get will be based on factors, which include their level of dependency.
Actions
- Tell us who should get any discretionary lump sum and any remaining Investment builder savings, by completing an Expression of Wish in My USS.
- Tell us who you’d like to nominate for a dependant’s pension: Register your dependants in My USS.
- Now you’ve taken the whistle-stop tour of your USS life cover, check out the factsheet for more important information.
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