my father has died. how do i claim private pensions?

animadverto

hello
my father has died recently. he was single. he had 2 private pensions, one with MMC UK Pensions, the other was with Willis.
i have been told by a few people that the pension company may try a few 'tricks' on me, that they are not always entirely honest? has anyone had any experience of this?
also, what is my procedure to claim??
thank you for any help

Robin9

Initially I would suggest a letter and copy of the Death Certificate and see what their response is.

I don't see why they should try tricks - do you know who your father might have declared as his next-of-kin ?.

missbiggles1

Why would you expect to receive anything from your father's pensions?

jem16

animadverto wrote: »

hello
my father has died recently. he was single. he had 2 private pensions, one with MMC UK Pensions, the other was with Willis.

What kind of pension schemes were they? If they were Defined Benefit schemes, there would only likely be a pension for a spouse and dependent children.

i have been told by a few people that the pension company may try a few 'tricks' on me, that they are not always entirely honest?

I have never heard of that and it is very unlikely. If there is an entitlement and there is an expression of wish form, then there will be no issue. However what is more likely is that you have no entitlement.

Nick_C

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Why would you expect to receive anything from your father's pensions?

It is common for pension schemes pay death benefits if the member dies before drawing the pension, or dies within 10 years of drawing a pension.

animadverto

thank you everyone for your responses. my father has no will. myself and my brother are his next of kin. he was divorced a year ago. as far as 'why' i feel i may have a claim, i'm afraid i have to claim ignorance, and that is why i am indeed on here, to get any help i can. truth is, one of my partners friends said, they seem to think there is a claim myself and my brother can make as next of kin. i'm afraid i don't know what kind of pension schemes they were.
all of what you are saying makes sense. i didn't think there would be a claim that I could make, as i am not a dependent child.
i have contact numbers for both companies. should i just call and ask them what to do?
thank you again for your time. you have been very helpful.
any more info you may have is gratefully received.

animadverto

thank you for your response Robin9.
what should the letter say that i send with the death certificate? just a general outline.
thank you for your time

Robin9

A formal letter - just giving full name, address, reference numbers,date of death COPY of death certificate

A ,letter is easier - if you telephone they will ask you to confirm in writing.

Have you several copies of the death certificate ?

animadverto

yes i've three original death certificates. should i send them a 'photocopy' or an ACTUAL death certificate? i guess i'm a little worried about not getting it back?
thank you Robin9

animadverto

also, what are the reference numbers?
should i give them his national insurance number?
he had a folder with lots of paperwork. some was from MMC uk. there are several different reference numbers on several different letters, about various subjects. should i send them any of these reference numbers, so they can try to find his account info or something like that?
thanks Robin9

jem16

animadverto wrote: »

yes i've three original death certificates. should i send them a 'photocopy' or an ACTUAL death certificate? i guess i'm a little worried about not getting it back?
thank you Robin9

I would send a photocopy in the first instance. Reference numbers needed would be NI number or pension/superannuation number.

I'd be tempted to phone them first to inform them of your father's death and ask about any possible claim. They would then give you information on what is needed and make it easier from the view of having to pay back any overpayment of pension to your father.

Was you father receiving his pensions already as it does make a difference?