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.
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When someone dies, notifying Aviva (Pension) is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long Aviva (Pension) takes to process a bereavement notification.
Aviva (Pension) bereavement contact details
Phone: 0800 145 5744 — Mon–Fri 8am–6pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Online: Aviva pension bereavement
Call 0800 145 5744 or use the online bereavement page. Aviva manages workplace and personal pensions, life insurance, and investment products for millions of UK customers.
You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, the plan or policy number from any Aviva correspondence, and your own contact details. Check the deceased's papers for an expression of wishes form.
For pension plans, Aviva's trustees will review any nomination of beneficiary or expression of wishes form. The pension pot may be paid outside the estate.
For larger lump sum claims, the grant of probate or letters of administration may be required. Aviva will advise on this.
Once all documents are received and the trustees have made their decision, Aviva will process death benefits. This typically takes 4–8 weeks.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
Aviva (Pension) typically takes 4–8 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.
If the deceased had a pension with an expression of wishes or nomination of beneficiary form on file, the pension trustees have discretion to pay outside the estate — meaning it may not go through probate. Contact the pension provider early to check.
Once Aviva (Pension) receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
Aviva (Pension) will confirm receipt of your notification and advise you of any next steps required to close or transfer the account or policy. Keep a record of all correspondence and reference numbers for the estate file.
Do not delay notifying Aviva (Pension)
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying Aviva (Pension) promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
Aviva bereavement service: 0800 015 1144 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Make life insurance claims, cancel premiums, reclaim unused payments. What documents Aviva needs. Full guide.
Nest Pensions bereavement: 0300 020 0090 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Government-backed workplace pension. Nomination of beneficiary, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. Full guide.
The People's Pension bereavement: 0300 2000 555 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm). Workplace pension — expression of wishes, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. What documents needed. Full guide.
Standard Life bereavement: 0345 606 0095 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Part of Phoenix Group. Pension pot outside probate, expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
Scottish Widows bereavement: 0345 716 6777 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Lloyds Banking Group. Pension, annuity, life insurance. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
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