For some pension plans, the five year law pensions plan ruling applies. The five year law pension rules indicate that a trust must provide for the event of death of the owner of the pension. If for example, the individual were to die before the pension has begun to be distributed, the entire pension must be distributed to beneficiaries, within 5 years of death.
The 5 yr law pensions rules applies so that individuals that pass away, can utilize their pension as a form of life insurance for their loved ones. Spouses for example would be guaranteed the monies within five years of the date of death, according to the 5 yr law pensions rule.
Pensions have different rules regarding disbursement but individuals are aware of the rules before they obtain the pension.