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 USS 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 USS takes to process a bereavement notification.
Call 0333 300 1289 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) or use the contact form at uss.co.uk. USS administers pensions for academic and professional services staff at most UK universities and higher education institutions.
You will need the deceased's USS member reference number (on any USS correspondence), full name, date of birth, National Insurance number, and date of death. If the deceased had a USS member account online, pension documents are available there.
USS provides a death-in-service lump sum for active members (typically 3 times pensionable salary). Retired members may have a pension guarantee period. USS will advise on what is payable based on the member's record.
A spouse, civil partner, or eligible dependant may receive a survivor's pension. USS defines eligible dependants broadly and may ask for evidence of financial dependence for unmarried partners.
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.
USS 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.
USS is a defined benefit scheme with complex rules for hybrid benefits (members who have both defined benefit and defined contribution elements). Contact USS directly to understand exactly what benefits apply.
Once USS 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.
USS 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 USS
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 USS 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.
Scottish Widows bereavement: 0345 716 6777 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Lloyds Banking Group. Pension, annuity, life insurance. 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.
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