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 The People's 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 The People's Pension takes to process a bereavement notification.
The People's Pension bereavement contact details
Phone: 0300 2000 555 — Mon–Fri 8am–8pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Online: People's Pension bereavement form
Last verified: June 2026
Spotted a change? Email our team if a number, email, or link on this page is out of date and we'll update it straight away.
Call 0300 2000 555 or use the online bereavement form. The People's Pension is a major workplace pension provider used by many UK employers.
You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, the membership number from any People's Pension correspondence, and your own contact details. Look for any expression of wishes form in the deceased's papers.
The trustees will consider any nomination of beneficiary form. The pension pot sits outside the estate and is paid at the trustees' discretion.
For larger lump sum payments, the grant of probate or letters of administration may be required. The People's Pension will advise on this.
Once the trustees have made their decision and all documents are verified, death benefits are paid. 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.
The People's Pension does not publish a processing time, so we do not give one. Ask when you notify them, and ask for a reference so you can chase it.
Accounts or services are usually frozen until the estate is administered, which 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 The People's 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.
The People's 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 The People's 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 The People's Pension promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
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