My father had a pension and passed before it was started, am I entitled to his pension?
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My father had a pension and passed before it was started, am I entitled to his pension?
He worked for the ammunition plant and had a pension through them. He passed 17 years ago before he started the pension. He keeps getting letters in the mail about the pension plan but when I call to inquire about it, I am told he does not get the pension, or that I, his only child would not receive benefits. I provided his death cert. He was not married and I am his only child.
Asked on May 31, 2018 under Estate Planning, Kentucky
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
A pension is not like a 401(k) or IRA account, where any remaining money in the account (if vested) goes to the deceased employee's heirs and beneficiaries. A pension is personal to the worker; only the employee gets it unless the terms of the pension or some other written employment contract provides that if the employee passes away, it goes to some specified persons(s). It is not uncommon for a spouse to get the pension (or at least a portion of one), but an adult child, almost never. (Probably "never," but since a company *could* choose to let an adult child receive it, I'll hedge my bet and say "almost never.") You would not be eligible for his pension.
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