A Grant of Probate or letters of administration are required to pay a lump sum on death benefit if:
- the member has not completed a death benefit nomination form
- the member does not leave a spouse, civil partner or qualifying Scheme partner who meets the criteria for payment of an adult dependant's pension
- the lump sum on death benefit is £5,000 or more
An original or a certified copy of the Grant of Probate or letters of administration is required.
A declaration form must also be completed by the person named on these documents. The form will be sent to the claimant when the lump sum on death is calculated.
If the Grant of Probate or letters of administration have been issued in a country outside of the United Kingdom (UK), this will only be accepted if it’s been re-sealed by an English court or where this is not possible in the UK.
Read more information on the GOV.UK website or ask a solicitor for legal advice.