Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Aegon requires probate for all investment accounts — ISAs, general investment accounts, and stocks and shares wrappers — regardless of the value held. As of 2026, there is no published small-estate threshold below which Aegon will release investment assets without probate. However, pension death benefits are not subject to this requirement. Contact Aegon's bereavement team on 0345 605 3939 to begin the process.
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
Aegon is a major Dutch-owned insurance and pensions group with a significant UK presence. As of 2026, Aegon does not publish a small-estate threshold for investment accounts. Investment assets — including ISAs, general investment accounts, and bonds held on the Aegon Retirement Choices or Cofunds platforms — require a grant of probate or letters of administration before release, regardless of value.
Product-specific rules:
See how Aegon compares to other providers in our probate threshold guide for 2026–27.
The estate administration checklist helps you manage documents across all institutions.
This is one of the key steps in notifying financial institutions after a death. The bereavement team will freeze accounts and send a claims pack.
Aegon does not currently participate in the Death Notification Service (DNS). You must contact Aegon directly — the DNS cannot be used to notify them of the death. As an investment platform and insurer, Aegon maintains its own bereavement process separate from the DNS banking network.
Aegon does not participate in the Direct Payment Scheme (DPS). If inheritance tax is due, you will need to arrange payment to HMRC separately before the grant of probate is issued. Our guide on probate delays and IHT interest covers how to manage this.
For investment accounts, Aegon typically releases funds within 4–8 weeks of receiving the grant of probate and all required documents. The overall timeline — from death to receiving funds — is typically 9–14 months once probate is factored in.
For the full step-by-step timeline, see the complete UK probate guide for 2026.
Aegon pension death benefits — from workplace pensions, personal pensions, SIPPs, and drawdown arrangements — are held under pension trust law and bypass the estate entirely. The trustees pay death benefits to nominated beneficiaries without probate, often within weeks of a complete claim.
In contrast, all investment accounts (regardless of value) require probate before release. If you are unsure which type of account the deceased held, ask the Aegon bereavement team to clarify during your initial call. For guidance on pension claims, see our pension death benefit guide. For administration costs, see our DIY probate versus solicitor comparison.
Prudential bonds have a ~£30,000 probate threshold; pensions bypass probate. Learn what documents Prudential need and how to contact their bereavement team.
Standard Life investment bonds have a ~£36,000 probate threshold; pensions bypass probate. Learn the full bereavement process, documents needed, and timelines.
Fidelity always requires probate for investment accounts. Find out what documents they need, how to contact their bereavement team, and how long it takes.
AJ Bell always requires probate for investment accounts. Discover their bereavement process, required documents, DNS status, and typical timelines.
Scottish Widows pensions bypass probate; savings and bonds have a ~£50,000 threshold. Find out what documents to send and how to contact their bereavement team.
Your AI companion for UK death administration—combining practical guidance with emotional support, available 24/7.
Your AI companion for UK death administration
Free to start • £129 for full access • 30-day guarantee