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NOW: Pensions is a workplace pension provider used by employers across the UK, particularly in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and care. It is a defined contribution (DC) pension scheme. When a NOW: Pensions member dies, the value of their pension pot can be paid to a nominated beneficiary or eligible dependant. These funds sit outside the estate and do not normally require probate.
In most cases, no. NOW: Pensions operates as a discretionary trust. The trustees can pay the death benefit directly to the nominated beneficiary without a Grant of Probate, because the funds fall outside the deceased's estate.
If there is no nomination and NOW: Pensions cannot identify a suitable beneficiary, the pot may be paid to the estate. In that case, probate may be required before the funds are distributed.
NOW: Pensions is a defined contribution scheme, so the death benefit is the full value of the member's pension pot at the date of death. This includes all contributions (employee, employer, and government tax relief) plus investment returns. The amount will vary depending on how long the member was enrolled and how much was contributed.
The death benefit is paid as a lump sum. NOW: Pensions does not provide an ongoing survivor's pension. Some employers also provide a separate death-in-service benefit — check with the employer's HR team if you think this may apply.
Note that NOW: Pensions has historically had challenges with administration and customer service. If you experience delays or difficulties contacting them, you can escalate to the Pensions Ombudsman if necessary.
NOW: Pensions members can register a nomination of beneficiary through their online member account. This tells the trustees who the member would like to receive their pension pot. The trustees have discretion and are not legally bound by this nomination, but they will give it significant weight in normal circumstances.
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If no nomination is registered, NOW: Pensions trustees will use their discretion to determine the most suitable recipient. This process can take longer and may result in funds being paid to the estate if no suitable beneficiary is identified.
See GOV.UK for the latest rules on tax on pension death benefits.
Currently, NOW: Pensions pots fall outside the estate and are not subject to inheritance tax. From 6 April 2027, the government proposes to bring unspent DC pension funds within the scope of IHT. This means the pot value may be included when calculating whether inheritance tax is due on the estate.
Read our full guide to pensions and inheritance tax from April 2027 and understand the inheritance tax basics before that date.
Without a nomination, NOW: Pensions trustees will use their discretion. They may pay to a surviving spouse, civil partner, or financially dependent person. If no suitable beneficiary is found, the pot may be paid to the estate and become subject to the probate process.
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