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.
TSB will release funds without probate if the total balance held across all TSB accounts is below £25,000 (as of 2026). TSB is a standalone UK high street bank and its probate threshold is lower than some competitors. For estates above £25,000, a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is required.
TSB's probate threshold is £25,000 as of 2026. This applies to the combined balance across all sole TSB accounts — current accounts, savings accounts, and ISAs — held by the deceased. If the total is below £25,000, TSB may release funds without requiring a formal Grant of Probate.
TSB was formerly part of Lloyds Banking Group but is now owned by Sabadell Group and operates independently. Its probate threshold is set at £25,000 rather than the £50,000 applied by many other high street banks. For a full comparison of UK bank probate thresholds, see our probate threshold guide for 2026–27.
When notifying TSB of a bereavement, you should provide:
For estates above £25,000, TSB requires the original Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. As with all financial institutions, ensure you order sufficient certified copies when the grant is issued.
TSB provides dedicated bereavement support via:
TSB will freeze the deceased's accounts upon notification. Our guide on notifying banks after a death provides a complete guide to managing this process.
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Yes, TSB is a member of the Death Notification Service (DNS). The DNS allows you to notify TSB and other participating institutions simultaneously. After the DNS notification, TSB will contact you to request specific documentation.
Yes, TSB participates in the Direct Payment Scheme (IHT423). Where inheritance tax is owed on the estate, TSB can pay HMRC directly from the deceased's account before probate is granted. This requires the completion of HMRC form IHT423 alongside the IHT400.
For more on IHT timing and the consequences of delays, read our guide on probate delays and IHT interest.
TSB typically releases funds within 10 to 15 working days of receiving all required documentation. Simpler estates are sometimes processed more quickly, while complex cases may take longer.
Our estate administration checklist is a useful tool for tracking progress across multiple financial institutions.
For estates where the total TSB balance is under £25,000, TSB will use a simplified small estates process. You will be asked to complete a declaration or indemnity form to confirm your entitlement to the funds. This is typically completed in 5 to 10 working days.
Even where TSB does not require probate for the account balance, you may still need a Grant of Probate to deal with property or other assets in the estate. See our guide on when you don't need probate to understand the full picture.
For a full overview of the UK probate process, visit our complete UK probate guide for 2026. If you are weighing up whether to handle probate yourself, our DIY probate versus solicitor costs guide sets out the options. For inheritance tax, read our IHT guide for 2026–27. Use Farra's free estate tool to get your personalised checklist.
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