What Is Death in Service?
Death in Service is an employer-sponsored life assurance benefit that pays a tax-free lump sum to an employee’s chosen beneficiaries if they pass away while employed by the company. Typically offered as a multiple of salary (often 2x to 4x annual pay), it ensures families are financially supported during an extremely difficult time.
Why It Matters for Employers in Ireland
Enhances Employee Protection and Peace of Mind
Employees value employers who genuinely look after their financial wellbeing. Death in Service offers reassurance that their loved ones would be supported, helping them feel secure at work.
Strengthens Recruitment and Retention
In a competitive Irish labour market, strong benefits packages set your business apart. Death in Service is a high-impact, low-cost way to demonstrate that your organisation prioritises its people.
Cost-Effective for Employers
Compared to other benefits, Death in Service is remarkably affordable. Premiums are generally low relative to the level of cover provided, making it an efficient addition to your company’s benefits strategy.
Seamless to Administer
Once in place, schemes require minimal management. We help you implement, review, and maintain cover with ease—ensuring compliance and clarity at every stage.
Builds a Culture of Care
Employees increasingly expect employers to support not just their careers, but their overall wellbeing. Offering Death in Service fosters trust, loyalty, and a strong internal culture.
Benefits for Employees
At Fortis Financial, we help Irish employers build strong, supportive financial wellbeing strategies. One of the most valuable – and often overlooked – protections you can offer your team is Death in Service. Simple, cost-effective, and highly appreciated by employees, this benefit provides real security when it matters most.
Financial protection for their families
Tax-free lump-sum payment to beneficiaries
No medical underwriting for most group schemes
Reassurance during life’s unexpected events
A valuable addition to overall compensation
Why Partner with Us?
As a trusted Irish wealth management and corporate benefits advisor, we specialise in guiding employers through the setup and management of Death in Service arrangements. Our team ensures:
Tailored cover aligned with your workforce
Transparent, jargon-free guidance
Regular scheme reviews
Ongoing support for HR and payroll teams
Put a Meaningful Protection in Place
Offering Death in Service is one of the simplest ways to show your employees that you value them—and care about those they care for.
Speak with our corporate benefits team today to explore a solution tailored to your business.
Are you confident your retirement plan will give you the lifestyle you deserve?
If something unexpected happened tomorrow, would your family be financially secure?
Providing clarity on frequently asked questions
Who receives the Death in Service payment?
The payment goes directly to the employee’s chosen beneficiaries as a tax-free lump sum.
How does Death in Service work?
If an employee passes away while employed, their beneficiaries receive a lump sum, usually 2–4 times their annual salary.
Is it expensive for employers?
No. It’s a low-cost benefit that provides high-value protection for staff.
Why should employers offer it?
It helps with recruitment, retention, and employee wellbeing, showing staff they are genuinely supported.
Stories told by those we’ve advised
Have questions?
Get in touch!
Speak with a qualified adviser and get the clarity you need.
