PETITIONOpenPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Allow State Pension to be passed to children, long-term partners, and dependents
We ask the Government to change State Pension inheritance rules to allow individuals to nominate a beneficiary, such as a child, long-term cohabiting partner, carer or dependent, or to provide a lump sum payment, rather than restricting inheritance to a spouse or civil partner
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
25
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 25/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 25/100,000
Background
Currently, only a spouse or civil partner can inherit State Pension benefits. Unmarried partners, adult children and other dependents are excluded, even where long-term dependency exists.
Many people support disabled adult children or rely on long-term partners they are not married to. The system should reflect modern families and protect vulnerable dependents after bereavement. Allowing nomination of a beneficiary would provide fairness, flexibility and financial security.