We understand that you may be going through a difficult time and we want to make dealing with us as simple as possible.
How to notify the fund of a death
To notify us of the death of a scheme member, please contact us. Alternatively, many Local Authorities offer the 'Tell us once' service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. Where applicable, you will be offered the opportunity to complete the 'Tell us once' notification at the same time as registering the death.
Alternatively, the registrar can provide you with a unique reference number which you can use to complete the notification online or over the telephone. If your Local Authority doesn't offer the 'Tell us once service', you will need to inform the Fund directly.
If possible, please have the following information to hand when you call:
- The full name, address and national insurance number of the scheme member
- Their date of death
- The full names, addresses and date of births of any dependants (spouse/civil partner, cohabiting partner, eligible children)
- The name and address of any solicitors that may be dealing with the case (where applicable).
Our team will review the information that you have provided and liaise with the personal representatives/solicitors as applicable. Normally we will need a photocopy of the death certificate, but we will keep you informed of any information we need in writing.
Payable benefits
Different death benefits may be payable depending on the scheme membership, more information can be found using the links below:
- Death In Service Benefits (Contributing Members)
- Death Benefits - Left Early (Deferred Members)
- Death Benefits - Already Retired (Pensioner Members)
Where there are dependants benefits payable, there are a number of checks and calculations that we need to complete before benefits are paid. Where there is a death grant and pension entitlement, these will be calculated separately so you will receive separate letters and forms for this. We will continue to keep you informed of the progress in writing, or you can contact us for an update.
More information
The government website has step by step information on what to do when someone dies. For some useful guidance the Fund also has a Bereavement Guide which can be found in the Downloads section. If you would prefer to speak to someone over the phone, the Bereavement Advice Centre are available to support and advise people on what they need to do after a death. Their free phone number is 0800 634 9494.
Flow Chart - Dealing with a Member Bereavement and Notifying the Fund
In line with the Fund objective to continually keep our members informed, when dealing with a bereavement, we understand it is important that you know the benefits which may be payable and how you notify the Fund. This is why we have produced a short flow diagram which outlines the steps to support you through this journey.
