Category: Group life · Reviewed by Jake Leat, Associate Director · Last reviewed 2026-06-10
Death in service (DIS) benefit is the colloquial UK term for an employer-provided benefit payable on the death of an employee while in employment. The benefit is most commonly a lump sum (a multiple of salary funded through a group life insurance policy), but it may also include a dependants’ pension. DIS is universally regarded as a core employee benefit in the UK.
Category: Group life Also known as: DIS, death-in-service Typical level: 3x – 6x salary lump sum Related concepts: Group life insurance lump sum, Lump sum death benefit, Dependants’ pension
DIS distinguishes between insurance-funded and unfunded benefits. Most UK employers fund DIS through a group life insurance arrangement (registered or excepted); a small number of very large employers self-insure. The DIS multiple is normally communicated to employees as part of the total reward package.
Where DIS is provided through a registered pension scheme, it is governed by Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004. Through an excepted group life policy, it is governed by section 480 of ITTOIA 2005. Where DIS arises from a defined benefit pension scheme, the lump sum and any dependants’ pension are governed by the scheme’s trust deed and rules. The Equality Act 2010 prohibits indirect age and disability discrimination in eligibility design.
DIS most commonly takes the form of a lump sum (3× to 6× salary). Some defined benefit schemes provide both a lump sum and a dependants’ pension calculated from the deceased’s accrued pension or expected pension at scheme normal retirement age. Some employers also provide a separate widow(er)’s or partner’s pension.
A scheme provides DIS of 4× salary plus a 50% spouse’s pension of the deceased’s accrued DB pension. On the death of an employee aged 50 with 20 years’ service and a salary of £70,000, the DIS lump sum is £280,000 (4× salary) and the spouse receives an indexed pension of (approx) 50% of the deceased’s accrued DB pension.
This entry is part of the Apex Insurance Wiki. Last reviewed by Matt Bartlett on 2026-06-10. Next review: 2026-12-10.
Apex Insurance Brokers Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 724952. Registered in England and Wales, Companies House 07014570. This entry provides general information about UK insurance concepts and is not regulated advice. Consult your insurance broker on your specific position.
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