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 NHS 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 NHS Pension takes to process a bereavement notification.
NHS Pension bereavement contact details
Phone: 0300 330 1346 — Mon–Fri 8am–6pm
Online: NHS Pensions contact form
Call 0300 330 1346 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm) or use the contact form at nhsbsa.nhs.uk. NHS Pensions is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
You will need the deceased's NHS Pension membership number (on any pension correspondence), full name, date of birth, National Insurance number, and date of death. If the deceased had multiple NHS employments, these may all be under the same reference.
Depending on the deceased's membership status and when they joined, a lump sum death grant may be payable. This is typically 2 times the member's annual pensionable pay (for active members) or a set amount for retired members.
A spouse, civil partner, or nominated qualifying partner may be entitled to an adult dependant's pension. Children's pensions may also be payable. NHS Pensions will calculate and confirm entitlements.
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.
NHS Pension typically takes 4–10 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.
The NHS Pension Scheme has multiple sections (1995, 2008, 2015) with different rules. The NHSBSA will identify the correct section from the member's employment history. Nomination of beneficiary forms affect who receives the death grant — check if one was submitted.
Once NHS 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.
NHS 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 NHS 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 NHS Pension promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
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.
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.
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