Bethany Joslyn: Keeping it in the family

Death benefits from DC pensions

clock • 4 min read

Bethany Joslyn explores the intricacies of post-pension freedom DC death benefits and the intergenerational planning opportunities therein...

Pension freedoms brought major changes to the options available for paying pension death benefits from defined contribution (DC) schemes. These changes introduced a great deal of flexibility and opened up new avenues for intergenerational planning, but they do add further choices at a time where clients are often most vulnerable. This article outlines how a pension can be passed down through generations and some of the key planning points to keep in mind. How it works Thanks to changes introduced from 6 April 2015, more people than ever can now choose to receive death benefits i...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

FCA non-advised pension transfer plans branded 'anti-consumer'

FCA non-advised pension transfer plans branded 'anti-consumer'

AJ Bell blasts FCA’s plans as ‘worst kind of regulatory intervention’

Jenna Brown
clock 23 February 2026 • 3 min read
Advisers search for more than 100,000 pension transfers via Origo

Advisers search for more than 100,000 pension transfers via Origo

In first year

Isabel Baxter
clock 23 February 2026 • 1 min read
Pension consolidation deserves more respect than it gets

Pension consolidation deserves more respect than it gets

'For me, pension consolidation is a perfect illustration of why financial planning matters'

Andy Zanelli
clock 19 February 2026 • 5 min read