How to Notify Teachers' Pension of a Death: Pension Bereavement Guide 2026

How to notify Teachers' Pension of a death — step by step

1. Notify Teachers' Pension by phone or online form

   Call 0345 606 6166 or use the bereavement form at teacherspensions.co.uk. Have the deceased's Teachers' Pension reference number (if known), full name, date of birth, date of death, and your own contact details ready.

2. Provide the death certificate

   Teachers' Pension will ask for a certified copy of the death certificate. They will advise whether to post it or whether a scanned copy is acceptable for initial processing.

3. Check entitlement to a death grant

   Members of the Teachers' Pension Scheme may have a death-in-service or death grant payable to dependants. The amount depends on the member's age and length of service. Teachers' Pension will calculate and advise on eligibility.

4. Enquire about a survivor's pension

   A spouse, civil partner, or eligible dependant may be entitled to a survivor's pension. Teachers' Pension will advise on eligibility and amounts based on the member's contribution record.

What documents does Teachers' Pension need?

• Death certificate (certified copy)
• Teachers' Pension reference number (if available)
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if claiming survivor's pension)
• Proof of identity for the claimant

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 Teachers' Pension take?

Teachers' Pension 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.

Scotland has a separate Scottish Teachers' Pension Scheme administered by the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (0300 330 1369). Northern Ireland has its own scheme.

What happens after you notify Teachers' Pension?

Once Teachers' 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.

Teachers' 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.

What cannot wait