What is a beneficiary of a will?
A beneficiary is anyone who receives something under your will: family, friends, a charity or an organisation. GOV.UK says a will should set out who you want to benefit and what happens if they die before you. People who inherit when there is no will are also sometimes called beneficiaries; that is covered in the intestacy rules.
What kinds of gifts can a beneficiary receive?
| Type | Example | Point to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gift | "My watch to my nephew Sam" | If you no longer own the item when you die, there is nothing to pass on, so review specific gifts regularly. |
| Cash gift | "£5,000 to my sister" | Paid before the residue, so it reduces what residuary beneficiaries receive. |
| Share of the residue | "The rest of my estate to my children in equal shares" | Usually most of the estate. See what is a residuary estate. |
| Backup (substitute) gift | "If she dies before me, to her children equally" | Stops a gift failing if the first beneficiary dies first. |
What happens if a beneficiary dies before you?
The gift usually fails, which is called lapse, unless the will names a backup. A failed specific or cash gift normally falls into the residue. There is a statutory exception: if you leave something to your child or grandchild who dies before you leaving children of their own, those children take the gift unless the will says otherwise (Wills Act 1837, section 33). The exception does not cover anyone else, such as siblings, friends or stepchildren.
What is the difference between a beneficiary, an executor and a witness?
- A beneficiary can also be an executor; see can an executor be a beneficiary.
- A beneficiary, or their spouse or civil partner, should not witness the will: the gift is void under section 15. See who can witness a will.
- Beneficiaries do not sign the will and do not need to know about it during your lifetime.
How should you name beneficiaries?
- Use full names and, where helpful, the relationship and address.
- For a charity, use its full registered name and charity number.
- Name stepchildren individually; words such as "my children" are normally read as your own children. See can stepchildren inherit.
- Name a backup for each main gift, and make sure residue shares add up to 100%.
Gifts to charities are exempt from inheritance tax, and leaving 10% or more of the net estate to charity can reduce the rate on some assets to 36% (GOV.UK). See leaving money to charity in your will.
Sources
Sources checked 24 September 2026.