When my husband passed away, the emotional weight was crushing. But beyond the grief, I was faced with a wave of practical questions — one of the biggest being: if my husband dies do I get his state pension?
It wasn’t something I’d ever really thought about until I had to.
Understanding what happens to a partner’s pension after they die can be confusing.
The rules aren’t always clear, and they can change depending on when your partner reached state pension age, or even whether you were legally married.
So here’s what I’ve learned — from one widow to another — about what you’re entitled to and how to claim it.
Why I Asked This Question After Losing My Husband?
When we lose someone we love, it’s not just the emotional loss that hits hard — it’s the financial one too.
My husband had worked all his life, paid into the system, and I naturally wondered: Would I now receive part of the state pension he’d built up?
I wasn’t just looking for extra income — I was trying to understand what support I was legally and fairly entitled to as his surviving spouse.
What Happens to My Husband’s State Pension When He Dies?
Can I Inherit His State Pension?
Yes — in some cases, you can inherit part of your husband’s state pension, but how much (if any) depends on two things:
- If he had reach State Pension age before or after 6 April 2016
- Your marital or civil partnership status
There are 2 various systems for state pensions in the UK:
- The basic State Pension (for those who reached pension age before 6 April 2016)
- The new State Pension (for those reaching pension age on or after 6 April 2016)
Do I Automatically Receive His Pension or Do I Have to Claim It?
I assumed it would be automatic — but it’s not.
You typically need to apply through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to receive any inherited pension rights. Here’s what I needed to submit:
- My husband’s National Insurance number
- Our marriage certificate
- His death certificate
- My own bank details and NI number
Tip: You can start the process by contacting the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469 or visit gov.uk.
Will My State Pension Increase After My Husband’s Death?
If He Was on the Basic State Pension
If your husband reached pension age before the date of 6 April 2016, and so did you, you may inherit part of:
- His basic State Pension, and/or
- His Added State Pension (also known as SERPS or S2P)
In my case, I was eligible to increase my own pension because of his contributions, particularly if he hadn’t used up his full NI record.
If He Was on the New State Pension
If he reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, things work differently:
- You can’t inherit the new State Pension directly
- But you may inherit protected payments or top-ups if eligible
What is the Bereavement Support Payment and Am I Eligible?
This was something I almost missed entirely.
The Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) is a welfare for people who’ve just now lost a spouse or civil partner. I applied within three months and received:
- A tax-free lump sum (£2,500 if not on benefits; £3,500 if you are)
- Monthly payments for up to 18 months
Eligibility includes:
- Being under State Pension age when your husband died
- Being married or in a civil partnership
- Your husband having paid sufficient National Insurance contributions
You can apply up to 21 months after the date of death, but payments reduce the longer you wait.
What If We Were Not Married or in a Civil Partnership?
Unfortunately, I found out that if you were simply cohabiting, you won’t qualify for Bereavement Support Payment or be able to inherit State Pension — even if you lived together for years.
However, some means-tested benefits (like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit) may offer temporary help. If you are in these circumstances, it’s worth speaking to Citizens Advice.
Widow’s Pension vs State Pension – What’s the Variations?
Many people still ask about “Widow’s Pension” — a benefit from the past that applied to women whose husbands died before April 2001.
| Benefit Type | Eligibility | Payment | Notes |
| State Pension Inheritance | Based on spouse’s NI contributions | Added to your pension | Rules depend on pension type |
| Bereavement Support Payment | Under State Pension age | Lump sum + 18 months | Must apply within 21 months |
| Widow’s Pension | Husbands who died pre-April 2001 | Varies (legacy system) | No longer available for new claims |
How I Applied for Support from the Government?
I contacted the DWP Bereavement Service and was guided through the application process. I was able to:
- Report my husband’s death
- Apply for Bereavement Support Payment
- Confirm my pension entitlement
It took around 4 weeks to receive confirmation and the first payment.
Bereavement Service Helpline: 0800 731 0469
What I Wish I Knew Sooner About State Pension Inheritance?
- It’s not automatic — you must apply
- Time limits do apply (especially for Bereavement Support Payment)
- NI contributions are the key — the more he paid, the more you may receive
- If you’re not married, your options are severely limited
- There are online calculators that estimate your inheritance eligibility at gov.uk/check-state-pension
Conclusion: Understanding Your Rights After Losing a Spouse
Asking, “If my husband dies do I get his state pension?” — you’re not alone. I asked the same, and the answer is: yes, possibly — but only if you meet the criteria and apply for it.
I know from experience how confusing the pension system can feel in moments of grief. But don’t let confusion stop you from getting what you’re owed.
Reach out to DWP, use the government pension tools, and ask for help — because you do have rights, and support is available.
FAQs: Inheriting a Spouse’s State Pension in the UK
1. Can I inherit my husband’s full State Pension?
No, not the full amount. You may receive a portion depending on his NI contributions and which State Pension system he was under.
2. Will my payments change if I remarry?
Yes — if you remarry before reaching State Pension age, you may lose access to certain bereavement benefits.
3. Is the Bereavement Support Payment taxable?
No — BSP is tax-free and does not affect your State Pension.
4. What if he deferred his pension?
If your husband deferred his pension, you might inherit extra payments depending on how long he delayed and whether you reached State Pension age.
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