Claims

Our philosophy is that valid claims shall be paid promptly, efficiently and with the minimum of inconvenience to the claimant.

We recognise that the vast majority of claims will prove to be valid but we also recognise that it is in the overall interest of all policyholders to ensure that invalid or fraudulent claims are investigated and, where appropriate, denied.

To help ease the stress, we have teams who can help you with your claim, allowing you to devote your energy and time to the needs of your family. Although we've listed the type of things we ask for in the next section, we always assess each claim individually on its own merits, and may ask for specific information from you to help us make any payout sooner.

How to make a claim following a death

To help start the claim process we will usually need the following information:

Life Cover / Investment / Annuity in sole name

• * The original death certificate.
• * The original policy schedule and any valid endorsement(s).
• * An Official Copy of the Grant of Representation (Probate, Letters of Administration, or Confirmation).
• * Our claim form, completed and signed by the personal representatives named on the Grant.

Find out how to contact us.

Life Cover / Investments / Annuity in joint names

• * The original death certificate.
• * The original policy schedule and any valid endorsement(s).
• * Our claim form, completed and signed by the surviving policyholder.

If confirmation of payment details is provided by the surviving policyholder we may be able to settle the claim when we are notified.

Find out how to contact us.

Life Cover / Investment Policies held in trust:

• * The original death certificate.
• * The original policy schedule and any valid endorsement(s).
• * The original trust deed.
• * Our claim form, completed by the trustees.

If the trustees signing the claim form differ from those appointed in the original trust deed, we will need the necessary documentation to evidence the appointment, retirement or death of any trustee. If there are no existing trustees to complete the claim form, the personal representatives of the last trustee to die will then need to appoint trustees and we will ask to see the necessary deed of appointment and also Grant of Representation.

Find out how to contact us.

Life Cover / Investment Policies that have been assigned:

• * The original death certificate.
• * The original policy schedule and any valid endorsement(s).
• * The original deed of assignment.
• * Our claim form, completed by the Assignees.

Find out how to contact us.

Life Cover / Investment Policies that have been assigned:

• * The original death certificate.
• * The original policy schedule and any valid endorsement(s).
• * The original deed of assignment.
• * Our claim form, completed by the Assignees.

Find out how to contact us.

Pensions

The value of the pension fund is usually payable as a lump sum to a beneficiary nominated by us, or as an annuity to the pension holder's spouse / civil partner. So that we can determine who the benefits are payable to, we will need details in writing of the potential beneficiaries. We will provide a form for this once we are notified of the death.

Find out how to contact us.

OEICs and ISAs

To make a claim on an OEIC or an ISA, please call us on 0845 300 2244*.

How to make a claim if you have been diagnosed with a specific condition covered by, and listed in, your policy or if you are unable to work due to accident or illness

Start by calling us to talk to us about the claim you would like to make as soon as possible. Once we've asked some initial questions, we will usually send you a claim form. We will also need some information from your doctor and an attending specialist which we will request, once we have receipt of your signed authority. We will let you know what is happening throughout your claim and will be happy to talk to you about any concerns that you may have.

Find out how to contact us.

How to Contact us

By phone

For all claims following a death on Life Cover, Pensions and Bonds, please call us on 0845 6014179*.

For all claims following a death on an OEIC or an ISA, please call us on 0845 300 2244*.

For retirement due to ill health, or claims relating to Critical Illness or Income Protection Plans, please call us on 0845 601 4839*.

By post

For all products (except OEICs and ISAs) you can write to us at:

Scottish Widows
Claims Department
15 Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 5BU

For OEICs and ISAs

Scottish Widows Unit Trust Managers Ltd
PO Box 28015
15 Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 5WL

General help and information

If you need general help and information following the death of a relative, you can contact your legal representative, if you have one, or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Citizens Advice Bureau

For help on practical and legal matters and contacts for help and support.

Look in your telephone directory for your local office or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk in England and Wales, www.cas.org.uk in Scotland or www.citizensadvice.co.uk in Northern Ireland.

Wills and Grants of Representation

Probate Registry
(England and Wales)
For application for powers to process the will.

Principal Registry
Tel: 020 7947 7000.
The Commissary Office at the local Sheriff Court (Scotland).