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 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 716 6777 — Mon–Fri 9am–5pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Online: Scottish Widows bereavement
Call 0345 716 6777 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.
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.
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.
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.
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