Bereavement support

Account(s) only in their name

Once you've registered the death , we'll write to the Personal Representative(s). This is the person legally responsible for dealing with the estate of a person who has passed away.

We'll also provide all the information, figures and forms to close their account(s).

To make things easier, any withdrawal restrictions on fixed rate products won’t apply once we’ve registered the death.

Joint account(s)

If you're the other account holder(s), you'll still be able to access the account.

Once we’ve got a copy of the death certificate, we’ll update our records. We’ll then remove the deceased’s name from the account, leaving the account in the name of the remaining holder(s). We’ll let you know once we’ve done this.

ISA account(s)

The ISA account(s) will still benefit from the tax-free status until one of the following happens (whichever is soonest):

• Completion of the deceased’s estate
• Closure of the account
• The third anniversary of the death of the account holder

We'll let the Personal Representative know any figures they might need, and what to do next.

Additional Permitted Subscriptions

Additional Permitted Subscription (APS) lets you inherit an additional ISA allowance from a spouse or civil partner when they die. It doesn’t count towards any current year ISA subscriptions.

There's a time limit for APS. This is either three years after the date of death, or 180 days after the administration of the estate is complete (if this is later).

We don't currently offer this service however we can provide you with the documents to give to your new provider.

Mortgage only in their name

We'll need to speak to the Personal Representative if the deceased has a mortgage in their own name.

Once we’ve registered the death, we’ll provide all the information, figures and next steps to deal with the mortgage. We’ll also apply a temporary hold on any mortgage payments.This means we won’t expect any payments to be made and we won’t apply any charges. However, the payments will still be owed to us and interest will continue to be charged and added to the mortgage balance.

Joint mortgages

To help you through this time we’ll apply a three month hold on the monthly payments. We won’t expect any payments to be made during this time, and we won’t apply any charges. However, the payments will still be due to us. This will affect your credit score and will need to be repaid at a later date.

Interest will still be charged and added to your mortgage balance during this time.

Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate of someone who has passed away. This includes their home and money. You may need to pay Inheritance Tax. You’ll only need to pay the tax if the money or assets are above a certain level. You don’t usually have to pay Inheritance Tax on money or assets being passed to a spouse, civil partner or charity. But it can be complicated, so it’s best to check gov.uk/inheritance-tax for advice.

There's different types of acceptable ID the Personal Representative can send with the completed Account Closure Form.

An original or copy can be sent of:

• Current UK, EU or EEA Passport (Swiss Passport also accepted)
• Current UK (full or provisional) driving license with an up to date photo
• Valid Shotgun Licence or Firearms Certificate issued by your local police force
• Valid EU or EEA Member State Identity Card (Swiss Member Card also accepted)
• Identity Card issued by the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (i.e. current Northern Ireland Voter’s Card)
• Valid Blue Disabled Driver’s Pass issued by a UK Local Authority (Council)
• Biometric Residence Cards (for permanent residence) issued by HM Government
• HMRC Tax Notification letter (including tax assessment and PAYE coding). A P45 or P60 won't be accepted
• Benefits Agency letter of notification confirming rights to state benefits (including DWP, Job Centre Plus, State Pension, Local Authority Housing)

You can use money from the deceased’s account(s) to pay for things like the funeral. We’ll give the money directly to the funeral directors but will need an invoice to do so.

There may be other people you need to tell too. Here's a list of a few suggestions:

• Other financial organisations
• Banks or building societies
• Credit or debit card providers
• Mortgage provider
• Pension provider
• Utilities providers (e.g. gas, electric)
• Subscriptions

If they have insurance

It's important to check if they have either home or life insurance in place. If they do, please let the insurance company know as soon as you can. They will talk you though the next steps if you need to make a claim or update the policy. Make sure you keep checking their home regularly if it's unoccupied.

Additional Permitted Subscriptions (APS)

In 2014 the Government announced that any ISA funds could be inherited by a surviving spouse or civil partner in the form of an increased ISA allowance. This is known as APS.

Estate

All assets, including any property the deceased may own, and money belonging to the deceased.

Funeral expenses

This includes:

• Funeral reception (also known as a wake)
• Funeral itself (undertaker, burial or cremation)
• Flowers
• Transport
• Headstone

Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration (known as Confirmation in Scotland)

The formal court documents provided by the Probate Registry. These confirm the Executor who was named in the will, or an Administrator if no will was made.

Intestate/Intestacy

Where someone has passed away without making a valid will.

Personal Representative

The person legally responsible for dealing with the estate of a person who has passed away. This is also referred to as an Executor or an Administrator

Probate

The legal process after someone dies that allows a Personal Representative to deal with the deceased's estate.