A key feature of the Firefighters' Pension Scheme (FPS) is that benefits can be paid in the event of your death.
Death Grant Nomination form (Death grant) - to nominate someone to receive any death grant in the event of your death.
Nomination of Dependent Partner for Survivor’s Pension form (Survivor’s pension) – to nominate a cohabiting partner to receive a survivor’s pension in the event of your death. Do not complete this form if you are married or in a civil partnership as your spouse will automatically receive a survivor’s pension in the event of your death.
You can tell us who you would like to receive any death grant by completing an Expression of wish form.
You can nominate anyone you wish. If you wish to nominate someone under 18 years old, you should obtain independent legal advice. If you nominate more than one person you must show how much of the grant each person is to receive, for example 40%, 60%. It must add up to 100%. You can change this as many times as you like, and at any time.
Normally, the nomination form will be followed. But forms can become out of date and occasions do arise where the Fund must use its discretion where the form no longer appears appropriate. So, it is important that you submit a new form if your wishes change.
If the person nominated dies before you do then you will need to complete a new form to nominate your new beneficiary. If you have listed more than one person and any one of them dies you will also need to complete a new form.
If you have nominated a spouse or civil partner and you divorce or the partnership is officially dissolved via a court process, the nomination will no longer stand. You may then wish to make a new nomination.
You can nominate a cohabiting partner, of either opposite or same sex, with whom you have not entered into marriage or formed a civil partnership. On your death, your partner will be entitled to a cohabiting partners pension provided that for a continuous period of at least two years immediately prior to your death:
- both you and your nominated co-habiting partner are, and have been, able to marry each other or form a civil partnership with each other, and
- you and your nominated co-habiting partner have been living together as if you were husband and wife, or civil partners, and
- neither you or your nominated co-habiting partner have been living with someone else as if you/they were husband and wife or civil partners, and
- either your nominated co-habiting partner is financially dependent on you or you are financially interdependent on each other.
On your death, partner’s benefits would be paid to your co-habiting partner if your nominated cohabiting partner satisfies us that the above conditions had been met for a continuous period of at least 2 years immediately prior to your death.