Overview

• The UK Government Petitions site hosts a bid by Adrienne Allen-Laing to allow State Pension holders to nominate beneficiaries such as children, long‑term cohabitants or carers, or to provide a lump sum.
• Under current guidance, inheritance of State Pension is generally restricted to a spouse or civil partner, with limited exceptions tied to whether a partner reached State Pension age before or after 6 April 2016.
• The petition will receive a written government response at 10,000 signatures and may be considered for a parliamentary debate at 100,000 signatures.
• Media reports cite a closing date of 19 February 2026 for the six‑month petition, and no government response or policy change has been issued so far.
• Articles reiterate practical steps after a death, including notifying the Pension Service to stop payments via 0800 731 0469 and checking possible entitlements under existing inheritance rules.