Death in service policy

Ryan_james

Hi, we recently found out after my mother passed away back in march that the company she used to work for had a death in service policy in place. and as the beneficiary I'm entitled to the payment. After applying for probate, and giving all my bank details etc to my mum's old company who had passed that on to Zurich the insurance company. I was just wondering if anyone would know how long payment usually takes on these kind of things? I've asked the company, but they're telling me at this stage I'll hear from the insurance company before they do. But when I ring Zurich for an update they say they can't speak to my regarding it.

Yorkshireman99

Ryan_james wrote: »

Hi, we recently found out after my mother passed away back in march that the company she used to work for had a death in service policy in place. and as the beneficiary I'm entitled to the payment. After applying for probate, and giving all my bank details etc to my mum's old company who had passed that on to Zurich the insurance company. I was just wondering if anyone would know how long payment usually takes on these kind of things? I've asked the company, but they're telling me at this stage I'll hear from the insurance company before they do. But when I ring Zurich for an update they say they can't speak to my regarding it.

I can’t speak for Zurich but AIUI very quickly is usual. Have you asked the company your late mother worked for?

Robin9

I am surprised that the company your mother worked for didn't initiate the DIS payment when they knew of her death in March.

My own company (the pension trustees) paid an immediate (ie within days) part lump sum to the named beneficiary followed by the balance within weeks.

Ryan_james

I've been in contact with the company my mum used to work for, but they said they haven't got any updates at this stage. And that I would probably hear from Zurich in regards to it before they hear anything. Basically last stage of it, they were running an identity check on me through equifax.


Basically it was my fault it wasn't done back in march, with everything else to sort out after the death, I just kept forgetting about it. Plus I wasn't sure what the payment was and for how much it was. We had no idea she had death in service.

-taff

Are you saying the company weren't notofied about her death? If they had been, then HR would have been notified, who should hae started the ball rollng as it would have been in her contract that they had access to.

Ryan_james

The company was notified of the death straight away, and informed me of the payment. I delayed it by mistake as wasn't sure of the whole process and there was so many other things to sort out after her passing. But they've had all the info they need now so just wondering how long this process takes.

badger09

I'm confused.

How can OP (or anyone else) benefit from a Death in Service payment if his mother no longer works for the company:cool:

Silvertabby

badger09 wrote: »

I'm confused.

How can OP (or anyone else) benefit from a Death in Service payment if his mother no longer works for the company:cool:

My sympathies on your loss.

It's not clear from Ryan's post if his mother died while still working for the company or not.

(we recently found out after my mother passed away back in march that the company she used to work for had a death in service policy in place)

If she did die in service, then there's no need for this delay - and there wouldn't be a need for probate, either. This money is the property of the nominated beneficiary, and not an Estate asset.

Ryan, could you please clarify - as it does make a difference. Thank you.

Manxman_in_exile

badger09 wrote: »

I'm confused.

How can OP (or anyone else) benefit from a Death in Service payment if his mother no longer works for the company:cool:

Presumably because she died whilst working for the company? That's how it worked in the NHS.


If you are referring to the bit where the OP says "the company she used to work for", he means the company she was still working for when she died. (I presume).

Manxman_in_exile

Silvertabby wrote: »

My sympathies on your loss.

Badger beat me to it. DIS payments normally only apply when the deceased died when still working for the company - not past employees. However, if this is linked to a pension scheme, then there may be a (usually) lesser amount due to nominated beneficiaries

Ryan, when you rang the company did you specifically ask about 'death in service payment', because this could have confused the person you spoke to. I would call them back to explain that your mother was an ex-employee, not current, and ask if there are any pension benefits due.

Cross posted with SilverTabby.


Where does the OP say she was an ex-employee? Have I missed that?


I know the OP says "used to work for", but as in my post above I take that to mean she used to work for the company but doesn't any more because she is dead.


If she was an ex-employee surely the company would already have pointed out that no DIS benefit is due?


I would also presume the OP to know what Death in Service means.

marliepanda

I think its just got a little confusing as it seemed at first almost as if the company wasnt aware she had died, which wouldnt make a lot of sense if it was a current employee.