Dealing with financial affairs following a bereavement
We understand that you may be going through a difficult time and we want to make dealing with us as simple as possible. We've listed some FAQs below and our dedicated Customer Services Team are available to guide you throughout the process.
How do I notify you of a death?
When informing the Fund directly, what information will I need to provide you with?
What happens after you are notified?
Will there be any benefits payable?
Where can I access more information on what to do if someone dies?
Q How do I notify you of a death?
A To notify us of the death of a scheme member, please email us or call us using the details on our contact us page. Alternatively, many Local Authorities offer the 'Tell us once' service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. Where applicable, you will be offered the opportunity to complete the 'Tell us once' notification at the same time as registering the death. Alternatively, the registrar can provide you with a unique reference number which you can use to complete the notification online or over the telephone. If your Local Authority doesn't offer the 'Tell us once service', you will need to inform the Fund directly.
Q When informing the Fund directly, what information will I need to provide you with?
A If possible, please have the following information to hand when you call:
- The full name, address and national insurance number of the scheme member
- Their date of death
- The full names, addresses and date of births of any dependants (spouse/civil partner, cohabiting partner, eligible children)
- The name and address of any solicitors that may be dealing with the case (where applicable).
Q What happens after you are notified?
A Our team will review the information that you have provided and liaise with the personal representatives/solicitors as applicable. Normally we will need a photocopy of the death certificate, but we will keep you informed of any information we need in writing.
Q Will there be any benefits payable?
A Different death benefits may be payable depending on the scheme membership, more information can be found using the links below:
Death In Service Benefits (Contributing Members)
Death Benefits - Left Early (Deferred Members)
Death Benefits - Already Retired (Pensioner Members)
Where there are dependants benefits payable, there are a number of checks and calculations that we need to complete before benefits are paid. Where there is a death grant and pension entitlement, these will be calculated separately so you will receive separate letters and forms for this. We will continue to keep you informed of the progress in writing, or you can Contact us for an update.
Q Where can I access more information on what to do if someone dies?
A The government website has step by step information on what to do when someone dies, please click here to access the guide. The Fund also has a 
Bereavement Guide [574kb] which may offer some useful guidance. If you would prefer to speak to someone over the phone, the Bereavement Advice Centre are available to support and advise people on what they need to do after a death. Their free phone number is 0800 634 9494.
