Death in service
If you die while you are still employed with the company and are an Active Member of the Scheme, then the following benefits will be paid:
- a minimum* lump sum of three times your Final Pensionable Salary; and
- a Spouse's/Civil Partner's pension and Children's pensions.
If there is no Spouse or Civil Partner and at the discretion of the Trustee, an Adult Dependant's pension may be payable.
Lump sum
The lump sum is payable to your beneficiaries. The Trustee has discretion as to which of your beneficiaries they will pay and in what proportions, so it is important that you complete an Expression of Wish Form to help the Trustee decide who will receive that benefit. The Trustee is not legally bound by the Expression of Wish Form, but will bear it in mind when deciding how to exercise its discretion. This is available from here.
In addition, certain members have the option to purchase additional life cover under 'BT Choices'.
Please note if you opt out of the Scheme your lump sum will be reduced to twice Final Pensionable Salary.
*Long serving members, and the contracts of employment for certain employees, may provide for a lump sum death in service benefit of up to four times Pensionable Salary. You will have been advised if you benefit from this higher level of cover.
You can find out more about Spouse's/Civil Partner's/Adult Dependant's pension by clicking on the 'more detail?' button below.
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Frequent questions
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