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When someone dies, notifying Standard Life 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 Standard Life takes to process a bereavement notification.
Standard Life bereavement contact details
Phone: 0345 606 0095 — Mon–Fri 9am–5pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Online: Standard Life bereavement
Last verified: May 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 Email our team if a number, email, or link on this page is out of date and we'll update it straight away.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 606 0095 or visit the online bereavement page. Standard Life is now part of Phoenix Group and manages pensions and life insurance products.
You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, the policy or plan number from any Standard Life correspondence, and your own contact details.
For pension plans, Standard Life's trustees will consider any nomination of beneficiary form. The pension may be paid outside the estate at trustees' discretion.
Probate documentation may be required for larger lump sum claims. Standard Life will advise on what is needed once the claim is lodged.
Once all documents are received and verified, Standard Life will process the death benefits. 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.
Standard Life 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.
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Once Standard Life 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.
Standard Life 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 Standard Life
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 Standard Life promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
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