Millions of pensioners have increased their state pension payments by thousands of pounds annually through inheritance rule.

In the 2023/24 tax year, over two million pensioners (approximately 2,027,440) received payments from the inherited state earnings-related pension scheme (Serps), a part of the old state pension system.

Around 541,760 pensioners received more than £5,000 a year in inherited Serps payments, including 17,460 who received more than £10,000.

Surviving spouses and civil…