Know your benefits

PEOPLE planning their retirement should always make sure they know whether their pension will provide any benefits to dependents when they die, a new book from National & Provincial suggests.

Many company pension schemes provide death in service benefits. These can include a cash benefit, usually a multiple of salary, as well as a pension for a spouse and dependent children.

But if they are not available or not considered enough to meet future needs, other options may be necessary. They include taking out extra life cover.

The N&P Essential Pensions Guide is available from all N&P branches or by calling freephone 0800 808080.