The loss of a loved one is an incredibly difficult and overwhelming experience. Amidst the grief, the practicalities of managing their affairs can feel like an impossible burden. If your loved one held accounts with Nationwide, you'll need to contact their bereavement team. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step by step, making it as clear and manageable as possible.
Navigating Bereavement: Contacting Nationwide's Dedicated Team
Step 1: Taking the First (Brave) Step – Let's Connect
We understand that reaching out to a financial institution during a time of grief can feel daunting. Take a deep breath. Nationwide has a dedicated bereavement team designed to support you through this process. You don't have to navigate this alone.
The most direct and often the most efficient way to initiate contact is by phone. Their specialists are trained to handle your call with sensitivity and guide you on what to do next.
- Nationwide Bereavement Helpdesk Phone Number: 0800 464 3018
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
- Saturday: 9am to 12pm
- Closed: Sundays and Bank Holidays
- Opening Hours:
Alternatively, if you prefer to notify them online or in person, there are other avenues, which we'll explore in the next steps.
Step 2: Gathering Essential Information – What You'll Need to Tell Them
Before you make contact, having certain information readily available will make the process smoother. Don't worry if you don't have everything; Nationwide can still begin the process with what you have.
Information about the Deceased:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Date of Death
- Last Known Address
- Any Nationwide account numbers they held (current accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, loans, etc.) – if you have them.
- Their National Insurance number (if known).
Information about Yourself (the Person Notifying):
- Your Full Name
- Your Relationship to the Deceased (e.g., Executor, Administrator, Next of Kin)
- Your Contact Details (phone number, email address)
- A piece of photographic ID (e.g., passport or driving licence) will likely be required later for verification.
Step 3: Notifying Nationwide – Your Options for Contact
Nationwide offers several ways to inform them of a bereavement. Choose the method that feels most comfortable and practical for you.
Sub-heading: Option A: The Direct Phone Call (Recommended)
As mentioned, calling the Bereavement Helpdesk is often the quickest way to get started and receive immediate guidance. Be prepared for a sensitive conversation where they will ask for the details outlined in Step 2. They will explain the next steps and what documents they will require.
Sub-heading: Option B: Notifying Online
Nationwide provides an online death registration form that allows you to submit initial details and, importantly, upload a copy of the death certificate (if you have it). This can be a good option if you prefer to complete the initial notification at your own pace.
- Visit the "Tell us about the bereavement" section on the Nationwide website. Look for a link to their "death registration form."
- This service often uses secure platforms like DocuSign for information recording.
Sub-heading: Option C: In-Branch Visit
If you prefer a face-to-face conversation, you can visit any Nationwide branch. A member of staff can help you initiate the bereavement process. It's advisable to call the branch beforehand to make an appointment, especially if you have complex affairs to discuss, to ensure a specialist is available.
- You can find your local branch details using the "Branch Finder" tool on the Nationwide website.
- Bring the essential information (from Step 2) with you. If you have the death certificate, bring that too.
Sub-heading: Option D: By Post
While generally slower, you can also notify Nationwide by post. This is particularly relevant when you need to send original documents (such as the death certificate).
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Address:
- Bereavement Services
- Specialist Customer Support
- Nationwide Building Society
- Swindon
- Wiltshire
- SN38 3FN
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Always send important original documents via recorded delivery or special delivery to ensure they reach their destination and you have proof of postage.
Sub-heading: Option E: Third-Party Notification Services
Services like Life Ledger or the Death Notification Service allow you to notify multiple organisations, including Nationwide, of a death from one central point. These can be very helpful for reducing administrative burden, especially if the deceased had accounts with various financial institutions.
- Death Notification Service: This is a free, external website that lets you notify participating banks and building societies at once.
- Life Ledger: A free, easy-to-use service to inform over 1,000 companies in the UK.
If you use these services, remember to still follow up with Nationwide directly for specific account details and next steps, as outlined in the following steps.
Step 4: Providing the Death Certificate – The Key Document
The death certificate is a crucial document for Nationwide to proceed with the bereavement process.
Sub-heading: How to Submit the Death Certificate
- In Branch: Take the original death certificate or a certified copy into a Nationwide branch. They will take a copy and return the original to you.
- By Post: Send the original death certificate or a certified copy to the postal address provided in Step 3. Again, use recorded or special delivery.
- Online Upload: If using their online death registration form, you can often upload a scanned copy or clear photograph of the death certificate.
Sub-heading: What if I don't have the Death Certificate yet?
You can still initiate the notification process without the death certificate. Nationwide's bereavement team can typically "safeguard" accounts and stop marketing material. However, they will require the death certificate (or a coroner's interim certificate) to fully progress with account closures or transfers. They may be able to verify the death through government databases, but the certificate will eventually be needed.
Step 5: What Happens Next – Understanding the Process
Once Nationwide has been notified and has received the death certificate, they will begin processing the deceased's accounts. The specific actions will depend on the type of accounts held and whether the accounts were sole or joint.
Sub-heading: Account Freezing and Actions Taken
- Sole Accounts: Generally, sole accounts will be frozen to protect the funds. This means no transactions can be made from the account until the estate is dealt with and necessary documents (like Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration) are provided, if required.
- Joint Accounts: For joint accounts, the account will typically be transferred into the name of the surviving account holder. They will then have full access to the funds.
- Mortgages and Loans: Nationwide will freeze mortgage accounts, meaning no regular payments will be taken, though interest may still be charged. They will contact the personal representative to discuss repayment options.
- Credit Cards: If the deceased was the primary cardholder, the account will be closed and linked cards cancelled. If they were an additional cardholder, their name will be removed, and the primary cardholder can continue using the card.
- ISAs: If the deceased had a Nationwide Cash ISA, the surviving spouse or civil partner may be able to inherit an additional ISA allowance. Nationwide will provide details on this.
Sub-heading: Requesting Funds for Expenses (e.g., Funeral Costs)
Nationwide can often release funds from the deceased's account to cover funeral expenses directly. You will typically need to provide an invoice from the funeral director, and the cheque will be made payable directly to them. They may also be able to release funds for probate court fees or Inheritance Tax.
Sub-heading: Dealing with the Estate and Grant of Probate
For accounts with a significant balance (often above a certain threshold, e.g., £50,000) or complex estates, Nationwide will require a Grant of Probate (if there's a will) or Letters of Administration (if there's no will). These are legal documents that confirm who has the authority to deal with the deceased's estate.
- Nationwide will advise you if this document is required.
- The Personal Representative (Executor if there's a will, Administrator if there isn't) is responsible for applying for this through the Probate Registry. This can be a lengthy process.
- Once the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is received, the Personal Representative can then instruct Nationwide on closing accounts, transferring funds, or dealing with other assets.
Step 6: Ongoing Communication and Support – Don't Hesitate to Ask
The bereavement process can be complex, and you might have many questions along the way.
- Nationwide's Bereavement Team: Don't hesitate to call the Bereavement Helpdesk again if you have further queries or need clarification on any step. They are there to support you.
- Bereavement Support Leaflet: Nationwide offers a comprehensive bereavement support leaflet, often available for download on their website or by request. This leaflet contains detailed information and a useful checklist.
- External Support: Remember there are many other organisations that offer emotional and practical support during bereavement, such as:
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Bereavement Advice Centre
- Cruse Bereavement Support
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to: Notify Nationwide of a death without a death certificate?
You can initially inform Nationwide by phone, online form, or in branch without the death certificate. They will typically safeguard accounts and stop marketing, but the death certificate will be required later to fully process the accounts.
How to: Find Nationwide's bereavement team phone number?
The main phone number for the Nationwide Bereavement Helpdesk is 0800 464 3018.
How to: Get funds from Nationwide for funeral expenses?
Provide Nationwide with a copy of the funeral invoice. They can usually arrange for payment directly to the funeral directors from the deceased's account.
How to: Close a joint account at Nationwide after a death?
For joint accounts, Nationwide will typically transfer the account into the name of the surviving account holder. The surviving account holder will then have full access and can manage or close the account as they wish.
How to: Deal with a Nationwide mortgage after a bereavement?
Nationwide will freeze the mortgage account once notified. They will then contact the personal representative to discuss the mortgage options, which may include recalculating payments or repayment from the estate.
How to: Apply for an Inherited ISA Allowance with Nationwide?
If your spouse or civil partner died with a Nationwide Cash ISA, you may be eligible. Nationwide will send you information on this and guide you on opening a new Triple Access Online ISA to transfer the inherited allowance.
How to: Send a death certificate to Nationwide by post?
Send the original or a certified copy of the death certificate to: Bereavement Services, Specialist Customer Support, Nationwide Building Society, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN38 3FN. Use recorded or special delivery for security.
How to: Know if I need a Grant of Probate for Nationwide accounts?
Nationwide will advise you if a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is required. This is usually necessary for sole accounts with balances above a certain threshold (e.g., £50,000) or complex estates.
How to: Contact Nationwide's bereavement team via email?
Nationwide primarily directs bereavement queries to their phone line or postal address. There isn't a direct bereavement team email publicly advertised for initial contact, but specific case handlers may provide an email address during the process.
How to: Get a bereavement support leaflet from Nationwide?
You can usually download a PDF version of Nationwide's bereavement support leaflet from their website, or request a printed copy by calling their Bereavement Helpdesk or visiting a branch.
