What to do when someone dies
We are sorry for your loss. We want to make dealing with us at this difficult time, as easy as possible for you.
To notify us, please give us a call on 01689 891454 or email our member services team at [email protected]
You may find some useful information on the Government website – https://www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies
What will I need to provide?
Our team will kindly request certified copies of the following documents:
- Death certificate
- Will/ Letter of Administration where a will is not held
- Grant of Probate (required for claims exceeding £10,000.00)
These can be scanned and sent to us by email or by mobile phone, or posted to our office address below.
Metfriendly, Central Court, Knoll Rise, Orpington, BR6 0JA
How long will the process take?
Upon receipt of all required documents, we aim to process and pay the claim within 5 working days.
Who will the funds be paid to?
We can only transfer funds as part of a claim to the executor of the estate or a named solicitor.
If more than one executor is appointed, we can pay to a joint account in both names, or to one of the named executors with permission.
Only where a policy has been placed in trust, will any claim be paid to more than one beneficiary.
Can funds be transferred into someone else’s name?
Any funds held by the deceased in an ISA, can be transferred to the surviving spouse via an Additional Permitted Subscription request.
Under HMRC rules, as a surviving spouse, an Additional Permitted Subscription allows you to invest up to the amount held in an ISA in your own name, either with us or with another ISA Manager, in addition to your normal ISA allowance of £20, 000.00 in the current tax year.
To facilitate this request, completion of the Additional Permitted Subscription form is required, alongside a copy of the marriage certificate to proceed.
What tax will I have to pay?
Please visit the Government website which provides further information on when you are required to pay inheritance tax – https://www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax
Glossary of terms:
Beneficiary – A person who inherits part or all the estate
Certified copy – A copy of an original document signed and verified by a solicitor
Death Certificate – The legal document issued by the registry office after a death has been registered.
Estate – All assets belonging to the deceased
Executor – A person appointed in the will to administer the estate
Letter of Administration – A document giving the authority to administer an estate where there is no will.
Grant of Probate – A document giving the authority to administer an estate in accordance with the will.
Inheritance tax – A tax paid to HMRC on the estate of the deceased.
Trust – A legal entity which can own property. Usually, a Trust is governed by a legal written document called a Trust Deed or a Declaration of Trust, which specifies all the details.
Will – The official document detailing the wishes of a person upon their death.
