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

TonyMMM

jem16 wrote: »

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.

The above - ring them first and ask what they need.

Thrugelmir

Have you applied to become administrator of your late fathers estate?

Nick_C

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Have you applied to become administrator of your late fathers estate?

Not necessarily needed, despite what the .gov.uk website says.

See https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/relationships/death-and-wills/dealing-with-the-financial-affairs-of-someone-who-has-died/#do_you_always_need_probate_or_letters_of_administration

I dealt with my late mother's estate - about £22K - simply with the agreement of my siblings. Her bank (Barclays) were happy to pay out without letters of administration, but they wanted forms signed by all the children to confirm assent.

Also, pension death benefits are not necessarily paid to the estate; they can be paid directly to a family member.

pleasedelete

the beneficiary may well be his ex wife. Often pension beneficiaries are named and people dont always think to change it when they divorce. We have had this with 2 friends of ours- 1 inherited unexpectedly and 1 didnt get any cash as ex was still named.

TH1878

pleasedelete wrote: »

the beneficiary may well be his ex wife. Often pension beneficiaries are named and people dont always think to change it when they divorce. We have had this with 2 friends of ours- 1 inherited unexpectedly and 1 didnt get any cash as ex was still named.

Unusual situation. Nominating a beneficiary is not legally binding upon the pension scheme trustees, who are able to exercise discretion.

In cases like this, the trustees would not normally award the pension fund to an ex-spouse over other beneficiaries.

kidmugsy

TH1878 wrote: »

In cases like this, the trustees would not normally award the pension fund to an ex-spouse over other beneficiaries.

If they know. That's why the sons might like to get in touch with the pension company quickly, mentioning the divorce.

jamesd

Initially phone each pension scheme, let them know about the death, the divorce and provide them with contact details of the children and ex.

Pension schemes normally have what are called "expression of wishes" forms. Pension benefits are not paid out according to a will but instead at the discretion of the pension scheme trustees based on the expression of wishes and other information about he situation.

Typically an expression of wishes form for a married person would say to pay the money to the spouse or perhaps to the children. The pension scheme trustees know that a divorce can change what would be desired so will have to come to a judgement based on the circumstances.

If the divorce process included pension splitting/transferring/whatever it's likely that the expression of wishes has been updated or that the trustees will take that into account in their decision-making, increasing the chance of children getting the money.

Alternatively, there might be a dispute between the ex and the children and the trustees will have to decide on the competing claims.

Andy_L

Had he started receiving his pension or did he die before taking them? If its the former then its likely that the pension has died with him.

redmalc

When my parents both died i got a number of original death certificates given most companies will not accept photocopies

Robin9

It is surprising how many copies you need - having several enables you to set notifications under way at the same time.

Which? do a couple of good books - What to do when someone dies, Wills and Probate