Lump Sum Payments: Widowed People

(asked on 7th January 2026) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make it her policy to extend the two year limit on the tax free payment of a pension lump sum following the death of a spouse when the withdrawal is delayed by a coroner's investigation.


Answered by
Torsten Bell Portrait
Torsten Bell
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
This question was answered on 14th January 2026

The Government recognises the distress that bereavement and any subsequent investigations can cause. The two‑year limit for tax‑free pension death benefits is a long‑standing feature that supports prompt payment and consistent administration. The Government keeps all tax policy under review, but has no current plans to amend the existing two‑year limit.

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