What happens after a member has died?

Dealing with bereavement can be incredibly hard. That’s why dealing with a NEST pension in these circumstances should be as simple as possible.

Once we’ve been notified of the member's death, we’ll contact the relevant person(s) to get the information we’ll need to pay out the member’s retirement pot. We’ll contact the member’s nominated beneficiary if they have one, their next of kin, or the person who is dealing with the member’s affairs.

We’ll need the following information

• information and contact details for the member’s beneficiary, next of kin or person dealing with the member’s affairs
• the member’s original death certificate
• the original or certified proof of identification for the beneficiary, next of kin or person dealing with the member’s affairs.

If you don’t want to send us original proof of identification, you can get your documents certified by a member of one of the professionals accepted by NEST. Please see Why do I need to provide evidence to update my details and what evidence do you accept? for more information.

All original documents sent to us will be returned within 5 working days from the date we receive them.

What will happen next?

• we will check all documents are correct and valid
• if all details are correct, we’ll send a ‘Payment instruction form’ to the beneficiary, next of kin or person who is dealing with the affairs of the deceased.
• the person(s) receiving a payout from the member’s retirement pot will need to provide their account details for where they want the money to be sent. Account transfers can only be made to valid UK bank or building society accounts
• once all the information is verified; a confirmation letter will be sent to confirm the amount to be paid
• if we receive incorrect information or if the evidence is not accepted, we’ll get in touch with the beneficiary, next of kin or person who is dealing with the affairs of the deceased asking for more information.

At NEST we’re committed to make this process as simple and quick as possible for you. Once we receive all the information we need, we will usually settle the claim within 20 to 30 days. However, some claims may take longer than this depending on the circumstances.