What about marital status?
Legally married?
A member may have been in a relationship for many years but if they are not legally married or in a civil partnership, this could impact on their decision.
State Pension
Currently, a legal spouse can inherit some of a member's state pension, but an unmarried partner cannot.
However, since 6 April 2016, with the introduction of the New State Pension, a legal spouse has not been able to inherit any of the member's State pension unless they qualify under limited transitional provisions.
Pension Scheme Rules
The Pension Scheme Rules may only provide for a pension on the member's death if financial dependency exists.
Financial Dependence
Insurance companies may insist on financial dependency being proven.
