Nominating a cohabiting partner to receive a pension Many people think that after they’ve been living with their partner for a while, they become ‘common law partners’, giving them the same rights as married couples or civil partners. In fact there is no such thing as common law partners, and couples who live together do not have the same rights as married couples or civil partners. But if you are in this position, there is a simple step you can take, to give your partner the cover of a pension from us, in case you die first, as this section explains.

Please DO NOT use this form if you are married, or in a civil partnership, as you are covered automatically.

The rules allowing you to nominate a cohabiting partner apply from 1 April 2008, so in the unlikely event of you dying before then, you will not be covered, even if you fill in the form.

Sorry, if you retired or left before 1 April 2008, you cannot nominate a cohabiting partner.

Who can I nominate?
You can nominate your partner – whether same sex or opposite sex – as long as you are living together as a couple, in the same way as a married couple or civil partners would. Your partner must be someone you could legally marry or form a civil partnership with, but you have simply chosen not to.

Remember, if you don’t nominate your partner to receive a pension, they will not be covered – no matter how long you have been together, and no matter what proof they provide.

You and your partner have to have met all the terms & conditions continuously for at least two years before you can nominate them to receive a pension.

This form is only for nominating a cohabiting partner to receive a pension! If you want to make a nomination for your lump sum life cover, there is a completely separate form.

Click here for terms & conditions and to download the Pensions for Cohabiting Partners nomination form

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