State Pension

[naomi24]

I understand the state pension is paid in arrears, so if someone dies with several weeks pension owing to them, does the DWP pay it to the beneficiaries of the estate – and if so, how do the beneficiaries claim it? (Not sure I’ve worded this very well, but I hope you know what I mean).

[dzug2]

Yes it wil be paid to the beneficiaries of the estate

When you inform DWP of the death (they will probably already know as they get informed automatically by the Registrar) they will establish who is entitled to the money and arrange payment

[maggiebee]

Seem to remember my dad's outstanding pension being paid into his estate via his solicitor. His solicitor administered his will so there was no reason for beneficiaries to claim individually.

[naomi24]

Thanks very much. There are no solicitors - she died intestate and left very little.

[spudqueen]

I wouldn't have thought that pensions were paid several weeks in arrears, one possibly.

[naomi24]

Hers was paid monthly, so a month in arrears.

[dzug2]

One of the options - and commonly chosen - is every four weeks in arrears. So easily possible

[THECORBYLOON]

You can 'phone the Pension Service on 0845 6060265 to report the death. If you tell the Registrar there was benefit in payment, you'll get a form called a BD8. The DWP will accept the BD8 as verification of the date of death but they will also be notified by the Registrar. On the back of the form there are a fair few questions about the deceased and it also asks who is claiming the arrears. Another form called a BR330(LO) is used by the DWP and the person claiming the arrears fills it in and says what the basis of the claim is, executor, paying the funeral costs for example.

[naomi24]

We've phoned - but despite their promises of the appropriate forms, we're still waiting. Thanks Corbyloon.