How do I find all the pension providers?

Check payslips, P60s, and any pension correspondence. The government Pension Tracing Service at gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details can help you search for lost or forgotten workplace pensions.

Is the state pension included?

The state pension is usually reported through Tell Us Once when you register the death. This guide covers workplace and private pensions, which need to be contacted separately.

Can a surviving spouse receive pension payments?

Many pensions include a spouse or dependant benefit. Ask the provider about any continuing payments, guaranteed periods, or lump sum death benefits that may apply.

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Financial4 min

How to Notify Pension Providers After a Death

Pension providers need to be told as soon as possible when someone dies. There may be a lump sum or continuing payments due to a spouse or dependant. This guide walks you through what to say and ask for.

Last reviewed: 4 April 2026

What to have ready

✓Death certificate (certified copy)
✓Deceased’s National Insurance number
✓Pension scheme reference or policy number (if known - check payslips, statements, or letters from the provider)
✓Deceased’s full name, date of birth, and last address
✓Details of any Expression of Wish or beneficiary nomination form (if you have a copy)
✓Your own ID and proof of your role

Phone script

You can read this aloud when you call. Placeholders like [full name] are filled in automatically when you use AfterLoss.

I’m calling to report the death of a pension scheme member. Their name is [full name], date of birth [date of birth]. They passed away on [date of death]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate. I’d like to find out what benefits may be available and what you need from me.

What to ask for

–Whether there is a death-in-service lump sum (if the deceased was still employed - often a multiple of salary)
–Whether a survivor’s pension is payable to a spouse, civil partner, or dependant
–Whether there is a lump sum death benefit payable from the pension fund
–Whether an Expression of Wish form is on file, and who is named
–Whether the lump sum is held in trust (which means it can be paid without probate)
–What documents are needed (death certificate, marriage certificate, proof of relationship)
–The timeline for processing and payment
–A reference number and written confirmation of today’s call

Watch out

Expression of Wish forms are usually discretionary, not legally binding. The pension trustees make the final decision on who receives the lump sum. If the deceased was under 75, lump sum death benefits from defined contribution pensions are normally tax-free. If over 75, they are taxed at the beneficiary’s marginal rate.

Email template

Subject: Notification of death - pension scheme member [full name]

Dear Pension Administrator, I am writing to notify you of the death of [full name], of [their address], who passed away on [date of death]. Their date of birth was [date of birth] and their National Insurance number was [Enter NI number if known]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate. I would be grateful if you could confirm: 1. Whether any death benefits (lump sum or pension) are payable, and to whom 2. Whether an Expression of Wish form is held on file 3. What documents you require from me to process the claim 4. The expected timeline for payment The pension reference is: [Enter if known] Please address all further correspondence to me at the address below. Yours faithfully, [your name] [executor/administrator] of the Estate of [full name] [your address] [your email] [your phone number]

If the deceased had multiple jobs, there may be multiple pension schemes. Check old payslips and P60s. The free Pension Tracing Service (https://gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details) can help locate lost pensions using the deceased’s employment history.

Template letter

You can copy this letter and print it, or use the email version above.

[your name]

[your address]

[your phone number]

[your email]

[Organisation name]

[Organisation address]

[today's date]

Re: Notification of death - pension scheme member [full name]

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Frequently asked questions

For more detail, see our full guide: Read guide →

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