Petition · Department for Work and Pensions
Allow State Pension to be passed to children, long-term partners, and dependents
Closed
961 signatures
What the petition asks
We ask the Government to change State Pension inheritance rules so that individuals can nominate a beneficiary such as their child, long-term cohabiting partner, or carer – or offer them a lump sum – so it is not just a spouse or civil partner inheriting from the pension as at present.
State Pension benefits can only be inherited by a spouse/civil partner. Unmarried partners, adult children, or other dependents are excluded, even if financially dependent. Many may support adult children with disabilities, or are cared for by someone other than a spouse or civil partner.
We believe in having a system that recognises real-world relationships and dependency; allowing people to nominate a beneficiary, or offer a lump sum to dependents, could help protect vulnerable loved ones from financial hardship after bereavement.
We believe in having a system that recognises real-world relationships and dependency; allowing people to nominate a beneficiary, or offer a lump sum to dependents, could help protect vulnerable loved ones from financial hardship after bereavement.
Timeline
| 19 Aug 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 19 Feb 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
961
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
19 Aug 2025
Closed
19 Feb 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 2 Aug 2026.