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.
Need to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order — from £95.
When someone dies, notifying Nest Pensions 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 Nest Pensions takes to process a bereavement notification.
Nest Pensions bereavement contact details
Phone: 0300 020 0090 — Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–1pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Online: Nest bereavement notification
Call Nest on 0300 020 0090 or use the online bereavement form. Nest is the government-backed workplace pension scheme — the most common provider for auto-enrolled workers.
You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, the Nest membership number (found on any Nest correspondence), and your own name and contact details. Check the deceased's papers for any expression of wishes form.
Nest's trustees will review any nomination of beneficiary or expression of wishes form on file. The trustees have discretion over who receives the pension pot — it does not automatically form part of the estate.
For larger lump sum claims, Nest may require the grant of probate or letters of administration. For smaller amounts or where a clear nomination exists, this may not be needed.
Once Nest has verified all documents and made a trustee decision, the lump sum or death benefits will be paid to the nominated beneficiaries. The process 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.
Nest Pensions 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 Nest Pensions 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.
Nest Pensions 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 Nest Pensions
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 Nest Pensions promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
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.
Prudential bereavement: 0345 640 4000 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Pensions and annuities. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. What documents needed. Full guide.
NOW: Pensions bereavement: 0330 100 3336 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Workplace pension for SMEs. Nomination of beneficiary, trustees' discretion, may bypass probate. What documents needed. Full guide.
Ready to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order, and what to do when it gets complicated.
Get started →Free to start · from £95