Expression of Wish

As a member of the Councillors Pension Scheme you have the peace of mind that should anything happen to you, comprehensive benefits are paid out of the Scheme to your beneficiaries.

Why should I complete an expression of wish form?

Whilst there is no requirement for you to complete an expression of wish form, there are two main reasons why doing so would be advantageous.

1). If you do not complete an expression of wish form, any death grant that may become payable will be paid to your legal beneficiary. Whilst this may be the same person or persons that you wish to receive your death grant, payments made in this way may be subject to Inheritance Tax where the total value of your estate exceeds the appropriate level. Simply by completing an expression of wish form and declaring your chosen beneficiaries, the death grant can be paid immediately to your beneficiaries and will potentially fall outside of Inheritance Tax.

2). In the event of your death without an expression of wish form having been completed, we will require from your next of kin, or other representative, sight of Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration before releasing payment of the death grant to your estate. This can be a lengthy process and involves the services of a solicitor. By completing an expression of wish form the payment of the death grant can be made without the need to see these legal documents.

Who can I choose to receive my death grant?

You can choose one person, a number of people or even an organisation such as a charity. You can choose your husband, wife or partner, your children, any other family member or a friend, the list is endless. However, remember that the administering authority has absolute discretion when making payment of the death grant and will want to honour your wishes so always consider those who will and those who will not benefit.

Can I choose who can receive my pension benefits?

As a member of the LGPS, your dependants automatically qualify for part of your pension in the event of your death. If you are married, your husband or wife qualifies for a spouse's pension. If you have registered a civil partnership, your civil partner will qualify for a civil partner's pension. If you leave dependant children, they will also qualify for a pension for so long as they are eligible.

Can I change my expression of wish at any time?

Yes you can. You can even cancel your expression of wish. You need to consider amending your form if:

Your circumstances change
You become divorced or dissolve a civil partnership;
The person you have chosen dies
It becomes impractical to make payment to your chosen beneficiary (such as a charity that no longer exists)

If you are unsure whether or not you have already completed an expression of wish form you can contact the Pensions Team who will be able to advise you accordingly. If, however, you re-submit a second expression of wish form with exactly the same details as the first form it does not matter, we will just maintain your records in line with your duplicated wishes.

What do I do next?

Click here to download an expression of wish form. If you would prefer to have a copy of this form forwarded to your home address please contact us on 0845 6027237.

Please return to the Pension Team at the following address:

Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund
Minster Court
22-30 York Road
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL1 1SF

You will receive an acknowledgement within 10 working days of receipt.

Please make sure that you have completed your details accurately and the details of your chosen beneficiaries.

It is also important that where you have named more than one beneficiary the shares add up to 100% in total, otherwise the form will be returned to you.

Make sure you have signed and dated the form.