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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.
When someone dies, notifying Scottish Widows 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 Scottish Widows takes to process a bereavement notification.
Scottish Widows bereavement contact details
Phone: 0345 601 4179 — Mon–Fri 9am–5pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Online: Scottish Widows bereavement
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 Email our team if a number, email, or link on this page is out of date and we'll update it straight away.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 0345 601 4179 or visit the bereavement page online. Scottish Widows is part of Lloyds Banking Group and manages pensions, life insurance, and annuities.
You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, the plan or policy number from any Scottish Widows correspondence, and your own contact details.
For pension plans, Scottish Widows' trustees will consider any expression of wishes or nomination of beneficiary form. The pension may be paid outside the estate.
The grant of probate or letters of administration may be required for larger lump sum claims. Scottish Widows will advise on what is needed.
Once all documents are received and the trustees have made their decision, 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.
Scottish Widows 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.
Not sure who you still need to tell?
Banks, utilities, DWP, DVLA. In 2 minutes Farra gives you the full list in order, with a tracker so nothing gets missed.
Once Scottish Widows 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.
Scottish Widows 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 Scottish Widows
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 Scottish Widows promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
There are more people to tell than anyone expects.
Answer a few questions in under 2 minutes and Farra builds your notification plan: every bank, provider and government office to tell, in the right order, with the contact details and a tracker so nothing slips through.
Where they normally lived, even if they died somewhere else.
Free to check · 2 minutes · No account needed · £399 for your full Farra plan
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