My partner passed away this year, and I’m really struggling. We were co-owners of our home for 3+ years, and financially tied together. We even had joint life insurance to cover our mortgage, but they’ve denied the claim, leaving me in a tough spot. Now I’m applying for his death in service benefit from work, but I’m unsure if I have a chance. I don’t know if he filled out an expression of wish form. If he did, it might’ve been before we met, and his mum would be listed as the beneficiary. I’ve sent all proof of our financial dependency and explained I might lose the house without this help. Any thoughts? No kids or other dependents involved.
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I’m sorry for your loss. I work in employee benefits, so I know a lot about death in service benefits.
These are usually set up so they don’t go through inheritance tax, and the trustees of the scheme decide where the benefits go. Sometimes it’s the company acting as a trustee, and they have the final say. Trustees usually look at who might be dependent financially or if there’s a form on file, but that form is not binding. They do interviews with family and close ones, so the fact that you’ve applied means you’ll be part of the review.
If your partner didn’t have other dependents, there’s a good chance they’ll consider you as the beneficiary, though it’s entirely up to them. I’ve seen cases where they usually try to pay the full benefit to a partner in your situation. Just be aware, the final decision lies with them, and legal options are limited unless something really unusual happens.
@Chancey
This is the most helpful answer here. Some others are way off on facts and law.
@Chancey
Thanks, that really clears things up.
@Chancey
Does death in service pay out if it was suicide?
Chen said:
@Chancey
Does death in service pay out if it was suicide?
Yes, it generally does. If someone was actively enrolled at the time of their passing, the benefit usually pays out.
@Chancey
Thanks for the clarification.
@Chancey
Totally voting this one up! 
Colby said:
@Chancey
Totally voting this one up!
Well-deserved upvote!
So sorry for your loss. Can I ask why the life insurance didn’t pay out?
Joss said:
So sorry for your loss. Can I ask why the life insurance didn’t pay out?
Without knowing OP’s details, sometimes claims are refused, like in cases of suicide.
Joss said:
So sorry for your loss. Can I ask why the life insurance didn’t pay out?
Without knowing OP’s details, sometimes claims are refused, like in cases of suicide.
Some policies have vague clauses. Mine, for example, excludes several situations:
- Suicide or self-harm
- Dangerous sports or activities
- Civil commotion, war, riots
It seems insurers could deny claims on fairly common activities, like hiking or motorcycling.
@Lior
‘Dangerous sport’ sounds like a loophole. Even simple things like biking or swimming could fall under this!
Joss said:
@Lior
‘Dangerous sport’ sounds like a loophole. Even simple things like biking or swimming could fall under this!
Horse riding or martial arts could easily fall into that, too. A lot of convenient outs for them.
Joss said:
@Lior
‘Dangerous sport’ sounds like a loophole. Even simple things like biking or swimming could fall under this!
Usually, policies specify what counts as ‘dangerous.’ Basic activities usually aren’t on there.
Joss said:
@Lior
‘Dangerous sport’ sounds like a loophole. Even simple things like biking or swimming could fall under this!
Motorcycles are sometimes considered risky enough to increase premiums. I had to pay extra for that.
@Lior
Wow, all these exclusions make the policy sound almost useless.
Dakota said:
@Lior
Wow, all these exclusions make the policy sound almost useless.
Sometimes insurers may offer partial payouts. I’d definitely suggest contacting an ombudsman if denied without clear grounds.
Dakota said:
@Lior
Wow, all these exclusions make the policy sound almost useless.
Most policies aim to cover accidents or illness, not high-risk stuff.