How to Notify NOW: Pensions of a Death: Pension Bereavement Guide 2026

How to notify NOW: Pensions of a death — step by step

1. Contact NOW: Pensions

   Call 0333 091 8612 or use the online contact form. NOW: Pensions is a workplace pension provider that primarily serves small and medium-sized employers.

2. Provide the death certificate and membership details

   You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, the membership number from any NOW: Pensions correspondence, and your own contact details.

3. Trustees review nominations

   NOW: Pensions' trustees will review any nomination of beneficiary form. The pension pot is not automatically part of the estate.

4. Supply probate documentation if required

   For larger claims, the grant of probate or letters of administration may be required. NOW: Pensions will advise on this.

5. Payment to beneficiaries

   Once all documents are received and verified, death benefits are paid. This typically takes 4–8 weeks.

What documents does NOW: Pensions need?

• Certified copy of the death certificate
• Policy or membership number (on any correspondence)
• Grant of probate or letters of administration (for larger lump sum claims)
• Your name and contact details
• Completed expression of wishes form (if available — found with the deceased's papers)

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.

How long does NOW: Pensions take?

NOW: 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.

What happens after you notify NOW: Pensions?

Once NOW: 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.

NOW: 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.

What cannot wait