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Adult Dependant's Pension

Also known as: Survivor's Pension, Dependant's Pension

Definition

An adult dependant's pension is a lifetime income paid by the NHS Pension Scheme to your surviving spouse, civil partner, or nominated partner after your death, typically worth 33-50% of your NHS pension entitlement.

This provides critical financial security for your partner—often the largest financial benefit an NHS worker can leave their loved one.

What Does Adult Dependant's Pension Mean?

Under The National Health Service Pension Scheme Regulations 2008 and 2015, an adult dependant's pension is payable to your surviving spouse, civil partner, or nominated partner when you die. The pension is paid for life to eligible surviving adult dependants, whether you're an active member (currently working), a deferred member (left NHS but not yet claiming), or a pensioner member. Administered by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), this benefit ensures your partner has financial support after your death.

The amount varies by scheme: 50% of your earned pension in the 1995 scheme, 37.5% in the 2008 scheme, or 33.75% in the 2015 scheme. If Nurse James Thompson retired receiving an £18,000 annual NHS pension under the 1995 scheme, his wife Rebecca would receive £9,000 per year (50%) for life. Dr Sarah Martinez's partner Emma would receive £12,000 annually (37.5% under the 2008 scheme)—potentially worth over £400,000 during Emma's lifetime.

There's a critical distinction between married and unmarried partners. Married spouses and civil partners qualify automatically without additional paperwork. Unmarried partners must have completed a PN1 nomination form before death, lived together for at least 2 years, and provided evidence of financial interdependency or dependency. Paramedic Sophie Chen completed her PN1 form when she joined the ambulance service. When Sophie died on duty at age 29, her partner Lucy received £8,400 annually for life—approximately £336,000 over 40 years—because the PN1 was in place.

The pension stops only if your partner remarries, enters a civil partnership, or dies. This benefit is separate from lump sum death grants and falls outside your estate—it's not controlled by your will but by pension scheme regulations. Separated-but-not-divorced spouses retain full entitlement until a final divorce decree—a common trap where estranged spouses receive the pension while new long-term partners receive nothing without legal marriage.

Common Questions

"Who qualifies for an adult dependant's pension from the NHS?" Your spouse, civil partner, or nominated partner qualifies if criteria are met. Unmarried partners need a completed PN1 form, 2+ years cohabitation, and financial interdependency or dependency. Married spouses and civil partners qualify automatically without additional forms.

"How much is the adult dependant's pension worth?" The amount depends on your scheme—50% in the 1995 scheme, 37.5% in the 2008 scheme, or 33.75% in the 2015 scheme. Pensions under £260/year are paid as a lump sum. The pension is payable for life unless the recipient enters a new partnership.

"Can my partner claim the adult dependant's pension if we're not married?" Yes, but only with a completed PN1 nomination form submitted before death. Without this form, unmarried partners have no entitlement, even after decades together. The form requires proof of 2+ years cohabitation and financial interdependency or dependency.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: My long-term partner will automatically get my NHS pension if we've lived together for years—we don't need paperwork.

Reality: Unmarried partners receive nothing without a completed PN1 form, regardless of cohabitation length. The NHS Pension Scheme has no common-law spouse recognition—you must formally nominate your partner with proof of financial dependency before death, or they receive no adult dependant's pension despite decades together.

Myth: If I'm separated from my spouse, they won't get my adult dependant's pension.

Reality: Separated spouses who are not legally divorced remain entitled to the adult dependant's pension. Only a final divorce decree ends their automatic entitlement. This catches many NHS workers off guard—estranged spouses receive the pension automatically while new partners receive nothing without legal marriage.

  • NHS Pension Scheme: The parent scheme under which adult dependant's pension is one of several death benefits.
  • NHS Pension Death Benefits: The complete package of death benefits, including lump sums and ongoing pensions.
  • Qualifying Partner: Defines eligibility criteria unmarried partners must meet—2+ years cohabitation and financial interdependency.
  • Nomination Form: The PN1 form that creates entitlement for unmarried partners before death.
  • Beneficiary: Contrasts with pension recipients—beneficiaries receive estate assets via will, not pension income.

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Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.