What to do when someone dies

Losing a loved one can be a difficult time, especially when you also must deal with some very practical matters. At Standard Life, we'll try to make this as easy as possible. We'll give you all the information you need and take you through the next steps.  

If you need to tell us about someone who has passed away, the easiest way is to use our online form. If you'd prefer to call or write to us, details can be found on our contact us page.  

About the process

When you get in touch, in the first instance we will ask you to provide:  

  • A death certificate  
  • Their full name and date of birth  
  • Their full address, including postcode  
  • Their pension plan number  

It’s important to note that, although we will do our best to honour any wishes we hold, we cannot be bound by them. It will also depend on the type of plan they have.

The process of choosing beneficiaries and paying out any benefits takes some time and can range from a few weeks up to two years in some cases.

Rest assured that if you need any further support, the experts in our bereavement team are on hand to help.  

Further support

When you experience bereavement, there’s no right or wrong way to feel. It’s important to talk to a family member, friend, or healthcare professional about how you feel. You can also access support below: 

Related Information