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Pensions Ombudsman: trustees’ death benefit decisions partially remitted for insufficient enquiries into financial dependency; undue reliance on will; ex-spouse and mother to be reconsidered (Mrs R, CAS-130671-J8K3)

Published on: 06 August 2025

Published by a LexisNexis Pensions expert
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Article summary

Original news Mrs R (CAS-130671-J8K3)—18 March 2025 Summary

The Pensions Ombudsman sided with a complainant over the handling of death benefits. The trustee did not carry out sufficient enquiries into every potential claimant to a dependant’s pension. Disproportionate weight was given to the member’s will, instead of assessing financial dependence. The trustee also failed to fairly evaluate an ex‑spouse for a discretionary lump‑sum death benefit, despite prima facie signs of dependency. This decision reinforces that trustees must undertake appropriate enquiries when determining death benefits.

What were the facts?

Mr L belonged to the Wellcome Trust Pension Plan (the Scheme). On his death, his survivors included Mrs R, Mr E, Ms K and Mrs N.

  • Mrs R, his mother, had a home bought for her by Mr L, who also paid her council tax.
  • Mr E was his brother and a co‑executor of the will.
  • Mrs N, his former spouse, received a monthly payment from him.
  • Ms K was his partner...

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