Pension Nomination of Beneficiary — Letter Template

Description

A formally drafted letter to send to your pension provider to update your nomination of beneficiary and expression of wishes — the document that determines who receives your pension when you die. Covers your personal and scheme details, structured beneficiary blocks for up to three nominees with percentage allocations and contingency instructions, a free-text expression of wishes section with lined writing space, and a proper signature block for you and a witness. Post-April 2027, who you nominate and how your expression of wishes is worded could significantly affect how your pension is treated for inheritance tax. A document your pension provider will take seriously — for £7.

✓  USE THIS WHEN:

•  You have a defined contribution pension and have never formally nominated a beneficiary.

•  Your circumstances have changed — marriage, divorce, new children, death of a previous nominee.

•  You want to update your nomination before the April 2027 rule changes.

•  You want your expression of wishes to reflect careful, considered instructions rather than a box-tick.

✗  DON’T USE THIS WHEN:

•  You have a defined benefit (final salary) pension — contact your scheme administrator directly.

•  Your pension provider requires their own specific nomination form — check with them first.

•  Your estate is complex with multiple pensions and significant assets — seek specialist legal advice.