State Pension inheritance rules after a spouse or partner dies

The State Pension, which currently provides a regular income for nearly 12.7 million older people across Great Britain, is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

It's available to those who have reached the UK Government's eligible retirement age - now 66 for both men and women - and have made at least 10 years' worth of National Insurance contributions.

Around 3.4 million individuals are now receiving payments of up to £221.20 each week from the New State Pension. As this contributory benefit is typically paid every four weeks, this equates to £884.80 per pay period, reports the Daily Record.

The majority of claimants (9.3 million) receive Basic State Pension payments of up to £169.50 each week, equivalent to £648 per pay period. The type of State Pension a person receives depends on their date of birth. Men born before April 6, 1951 and women born before April 6, 1953 are eligible for the Basic State Pension, while those born after these dates will receive the New State Pension.

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But what happens to State Pension payments when someone dies?

It's a difficult subject and not one anyone would choose to think about, but understanding what will happen could help you or a family member. Here's a quick overview of what you need to know.

When someone passes away, their State Pension claim doesn't automatically cease; there are necessary steps to follow. It's crucial to notify the Pension Service to halt the payments, which can be done by ringing the helpline at 0800 731 0469.

Depending on the National Insurance Contributions of your late spouse or civil partner and when they reached State Pension age, you might