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Bereavement Advice Help and understanding from the Halifax and Bank of Scotland

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Bereavement Advice

Help and understandingfrom the Halifax and Bank of Scotland

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Abbreviated Extract of Death CertificateA document issued by the Registrar at the time of

death registration (excluding cause of death and

parentage details) and provided free of charge (in

Scotland).

Administrator (Executor Dative in Scotland)The personal representative if there is no will – or if

there is a will and the named executors are unable to

act. In Scotland the Executor Dative is appointed

through the Courts. They will usually have to obtain

letters of administration (confirmation in Scotland)

from the Probate Registry, or Sheriff Court/

Commissary Office authorising them to deal with the

estate.

AssetsProperty, securities and money belonging to a person

or organisation, which may be used for the payment

of debts.

BeneficiariesAn individual, institution, trustee, or estate which

receives, or may become eligible to receive benefits

under a will or on intestacy.

ConfirmationIn Scotland this is what is required by a person

wishing to prove their right to administer the

deceased’s estate.

Death CertificateA certified copy of the entry in the death register.

The Registrar will be able to provide a number of

certified copies or extracts to save you time when

registering claims with any organisations such as

Insurance companies.

DeedA legal document relating to an asset, usually

involving property.

EstateThe money, property and possessions of the person

who has died.

Executor (Executor Nominate in Scotland)The individual(s) named in the will by the person

who has died. They may have to obtain probate or

confirmation from the Probate Registry or Sheriff

Court Commissary Office authorising them to deal

with the estate.

Grant of RepresentationThis is what a person wishing to prove their right to

administer the deceased's estate must obtain. In

England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the two most

common forms of grants of representation are

probate and letters of administration.

IntestacyThe condition of the estate of a person who dies

without having made a valid will.

Letters of AdministrationIn England and Wales formal permission and the legal

right for the administrators to deal with an estate.

Known as a grant, it is issued by the Probate Registry.

Liabilities Debts or obligations.

Net EstateThe value of the estate after deducting tax, debts

and funeral expenses.

Personal RepresentativesThe individual or firm (for example, the bank or

solicitors) that deals with the estate, are usually the

executors or administrators. They are responsible for

paying all debts, taxes and expenses from the estate

– including the cost of the funeral – and for

distributing the estate to the beneficiaries.

Probate/ConfirmationThe process of proving the will at the Probate or

Registry Office. It gives the executors a legal right to

deal with the estate, and involves their formal

promise to do so properly – as instructed by the will.

In England the probate is filed with the will itself at

the main Probate Registry in London or at one of the

District Registries in England or Wales.

Statutory declaration (England)A formal statement made in a prescribed form

witnessed by a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths

under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835.

WillA legal document that gives instructions for what

should happen to the estate of the person who has

died. It can also contain details of their wishes for

burial or cremation. It usually names the executors.

Glossary of TermsUnavoidably, we’ve had to use a number of technical terms in this booklet. This glossary is a useful guide.

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 3

1

We'll do everythingwe can to help

Losing someone close to you is a particularly

difficult and confusing time. It can be hard to

know where to start.

We recognise you will have a lot to do.

We will help by making it as simple as possible to

deal with us, whether it is rearranging or closing

accounts, quickly providing funds to pay for

urgent expenses or giving you clear, simple advice.

We will do everything we can to help.

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Contents

What to do first 3

Registering the death 4

Probate, letters of administration and confirmation 5

Financial matters 6

The estate checklist 7

Payment of urgent expenses 8

Halifax and Bank of Scotland accounts 9

Halifax accounts 10

Bank of Scotland accounts 11

Accounts with other organisations 12

Life assurance, insurance, pension, savings and investment policies 13

Financial advice 14

How to get the documents you need 15

Your questions answered 161718

What to do next 19

Useful contacts 2021

Legal Matters

Halifax andBank of Scotland

>See

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 5

3

What to do first

Whether you are the next of kin, a close relative,

friend or executor, there will be a certain amount

of paperwork to complete to settle the estate.

Whilst you are waiting for the estate to be settled,

you may have to meet expenses such as funeral

costs or pay inheritance tax. Simply tell us your

needs and we will explain what we can do for you.

There may be a will, expressing the wishes of the

deceased concerning the estate. The will usually

names the person or persons who will administer

the estate and this person is known as an executor

or executor nominate (in Scotland). The will may

also set out specific wishes regarding funeral

arrangements. The funeral director will take

responsibility for all the arrangements, as well as

offering you guidance and advice.

If there is no will, arrangements for the disposal of

the estate are provided for in a set of rules, which

apply in these circumstances. These include the

appointment of a person, usually a relative, to

administer the estate. This person is called an

administrator or executor dative (in Scotland) as

appointed by the Sheriff Court/Commissary

Office.

Here are some important steps an administrator or

executor might need to take:

•Registering the death. >See page 4

•Dealing with urgent expenses.

•Obtaining legal documents giving them power to

make and receive payments from the estate.

•Arranging the funeral and paying costs.

•Drawing up an inventory of the full assets of the

estate.

•Finding out if any money is due to beneficiaries

from pension schemes, life assurance policies and

so on. A pension or life policy does not always

form part of the estate.

•If any trusts are created in the will, appointing

trustees to protect the beneficiaries.

•Liaising with the HM Revenue & Customs

(completing any tax returns), Department of Work

and Pensions and others.

•Paying any inheritance tax.

The laws on wills and inheritance can be complex.

If you feel you need expert advice, contact a

solicitor or Citizens Advice Bureau. There is also a

useful guide available called ‘What to do after a

death’. This is available free of charge, from local

registration offices, social security offices, job

centres or Citizens Advice Bureau.

>See page 7

>See page 5

>See page 83

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

161718

19

2021

>See page 8

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 6

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Registering the death

You’ll need to see your local Registrar within five

days of the death or eight days in Scotland. The

name and address of the Registrar can be found in

the phone book under Registration of Births,

Deaths and Marriages, or can be provided by a

doctor, hospital, or post office.

When visiting the Registrar, take with you:

•Medical Certificate of Death.

•Any certificate or document relating to any

pension or allowances, which the person was

receiving from public funds.

•NHS medical card, if available.

•The person's birth and marriage or civil partnership

certificates, if available.

You’ll be asked to give the Registrar some details

about the deceased, such as date and place of

birth, occupation, address and date and place of

death. The Registrar will then record the death in

the UK Register of Births and Deaths. The Registrar

will give you a Death Certificate and you may have

to pay a fee.

When registering the death, you may want to

obtain several copies of the Death Certificate. The

cost increases if you need more at a later date and

you may find it useful to purchase a number of

copies particularly if there are savings and

investments held with several financial

organisations.

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5

Probate, letters ofadministration andconfirmation

When someone dies, the person responsible for

handling the deceased's estate may need to apply

for Grant of Representation/Confirmation. The

most common forms of Grants of Representation

are called ‘Grant of Probate’ or ‘Grant of Letters of

Administration’.

The Grant of Representation/Confirmation gives

authority to take charge of all the property and

possessions of the estate and distribute them

according to the wishes expressed in the will or

provided for in the intestacy rules.

Some people choose to pay a solicitor to arrange

this for them, as it involves listing details of the

value of the estate, which can be a difficult and

lengthy process. Others choose to apply for the

grant themselves. Generally, the larger the estate

the more assets there are and the more

complicated it can be.

Where the total value of possessions is relatively

small, the Registrar or local Sheriff Clerk (in

Scotland) may be able to guide you.

If in any doubt, you should seek advice from a

solicitor or Citizens Advice Bureau.

Applying yourselfIf you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland,

you need to apply to your local Probate Registry

for one of the following documents:

•‘Grant of Probate’ (if there's a will) appointing one

or more executors.

•‘Letters of Administration’ (if there isn't a will)

appointing one or more administrators.

If you live in Scotland, you need to apply to the

local Sheriff Court for Confirmation.

You can get the address and telephone number of

the local probate Registrar or Sheriff Court (if you

live in Scotland) from the Yellow Pages or ask

Directory Enquiries or any Citizens Advice Bureau.

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Th

6

Financial matters

When it comes to sorting out the financial affairs,

you will need to contact the individual companies

concerned to find out what to do. You may wish to

phone them first, rather than write, to confirm

what documentation they require.

You should find phone numbers on documents

relating to the account or policy. If more than one

account or policy is held with the same company,

it is worthwhile checking the paperwork relating to

each account or policy as they could be

administered at different offices around the

country.

When you phone, have the account or policy

information to hand, so you can quote details like

reference numbers. It is likely the company will

then write advising you exactly what information

and documents they require and where to send

them.

Here is a list of the most common documents,

financial organisations will request to see, where

relevant:

•Death Certificate

•Abbreviated Extract of Death Certificate (in

Scotland)

•Foreign Death Certificate (if applicable)

•Coroner’s Interim Certificate

•Coroner’s Letter

•Grant of Probate

•Grant of Letters of Administration

•Confirmation

•Will

•Trust documentation

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1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 9

7

The estate checklist

To work out whether there is Inheritance Tax to

pay you will need to know the value of the estate.

For this, in essence the estate is everything the

deceased owned, less anything owed. If you are

applying for a Grant of Representation or

Confirmation (in Scotland) you will need to make a

list of the assets and liabilities so that you know

what needs to be dealt with.

You may consider it appropriate to seek advice

from a solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau, and

the following checklist may be helpful to assist

working out the value of the estate.

Assets

Antiques & paintings

Jewellery

Car(s)

House contents

Personal belongings

Other

Value £Valuables

Main Home

Holiday home(s)

(in the UK and/or abroad)

Properties being let

Rents from property

Business premises

Land

Value £Property

£Net Value of Estate(Total assets less total liabilities)

£

Mortgage

Personal loans

Credit cards

Store cards etc

Hire purchase agreements

Unpaid bills

Funeral expenses

Probate costs

Other

Total Liabilities (-)

Value £Outstanding balances

£

Current accounts

Savings accounts

Investment plans

Life assurance plans

Pensions

Income from trusts

National savings

Premium bonds

Stocks and shares

Offshore accounts

Cash

Outstanding salary

Business holdings

Gifts made within the last 7 years

Total Assets (+)

Value £Financial

Liabilities

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 10

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Payment of urgentexpenses

If you need money urgently, you may be able to get

a cheque drawn from most Halifax and Bank of

Scotland banking and savings accounts held by the

deceased.

If the accounts are held with Halifax or Bank of

Scotland and you require funds for funeral costs or

other urgent expenses before legal documents are

obtained, simply give us a letter saying you have

applied or are going to apply for Grant of

Representation/Confirmation and enclose the

original invoices that require payment.

Where we are able, we would make cheques

payable to the funeral director or HM Revenue &

Customs, HM Paymaster or the Scottish Court

Service, as appropriate.

If you have any queries – just ask and we'll help

you all we can.

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 11

9

Halifax and Bank ofScotland accounts

If you require help and advice you can telephone

our dedicated Bereaved Service Centre on

0845 603 3216* or call into any of our Halifax or

Bank of Scotland branches to make an

appointment.

You will find it useful to bring the following

documents with you:

•Two forms of identification for you, one for name

and one for address

•Original Death Certificate or Abbreviated Extract

of Death Certificate (in Scotland)

•Account passbooks, cheque books, cash cards etc.

•For urgent expenses, any invoices that need paying

•Probate, Letters of Administration or Confirmation

If you are applying for Grant of Probate, Grant of

Letters of Administration or Confirmation or there

is a total balance of more than £20,000 held in one

or more of the following accounts, then we will

need to see the original document in order to

close accounts, plans or share holdings.

If the deceased was the sole account holder and

there is a total of less than £20,000 in each of the

following Halifax and Bank of Scotland account

types, we will ask the executor or beneficiary

entitled to the estate, to complete a statutory

declaration form.

If the balance on any of the following accounts is

more than £5,000 but less than £20,000, this form

will need to be witnessed by a Solicitor, Justice of

the Peace, Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public

(Scotland):

•All Halifax and/or Bank of Scotland banking and

savings accounts

•All Halifax Share Dealing accounts

•Halifax Financial Services Investment plans – York

administered only

•Halifax Financial Services Investment plans –

Aylesbury administered only

You may find it useful to list on the following pages

all the Halifax or Bank of Scotland accounts you

want us to deal with. There is also a separate table

for you to list accounts held with other

organisations.

*Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of 4p per

minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The prices of calls

from other telephone companies will vary. The call

price is correct at January 2008.

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 12

Baac

10

Halifax accounts

Others

Life Assurance Plan

Investment Plan

Personal Loan(s)

Credit Card(s)

HBOS Shares

Insurance

Mortgage

Saving(s)

Current Account or card account

Notes/documents receivedBalanceAccount/roll numberType of account

Othe

Life A

Inves

Perso

Credi

HBOS

Insur

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Savin

Curreor ca

Type

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 13

11

Bank of Scotlandaccounts

ed

Others

Life Assurance Plan

Investment Plan

Personal Loan(s)

Credit Card(s)

HBOS Shares

Insurance

Mortgage

Saving(s)

Current Account or card account

Notes/documents receivedBalanceAccount/roll numberType of account

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 14

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Accounts held withother organisations

Others

Life Assurance Plan

Investment Plan

Personal Loan(s)

Credit Card(s)

Shares

Insurance

Mortgage

Saving(s)

Current Account or card account

Notes/documents receivedBalanceAccount/roll numberType of account

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13

Life assurance, insurance,pension, savings andinvestment policies

Halifax Financial ServicesHalifax life assurance, pension, investment and

savings plans (including the stocks and shares ISA)

are administered at two offices in York and

Aylesbury. To find out more about making a claim,

simply contact us on the telephone number

quoted on the plan documents. Please quote the

plan number that begins with 14/.

If you do not have this information, you can

telephone the dedicated Bereaved Service Centre

on 0845 603 3216* who will be able to help you.

Halifax Home insuranceTo amend any home insurance policy, just

telephone 0845 600 600 1* or if you prefer, write

to us at Halifax General Insurance Services Ltd, PO

Box 318, Halifax HX1 2RG and we will make the

necessary arrangements for you.

Halifax Car InsuranceIf the deceased was the policyholder or a named

driver on a Halifax Car Insurance policy, simply

phone Customer Services on 0845 605 7757* or

write to us at Customer Services, Halifax Car

Insurance, The Observatory, Reigate, Surrey, RH2

0SG. We will advise you of your options and then

make the necessary arrangements.

TMPP Life Insurance To claim on a TMPP Life Insurance Plan, simply

telephone the Claims unit on 0845 600 6007* to

register the claim.

*Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of 4p per

minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The price of calls from

other telephone companies will vary. The call price is

correct at January 2008.

ed

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14

Financial advice

If you need advice regarding bank accounts, savings

accounts or mortgages, contact any of our Halifax or

Bank of Scotland branches.

We also have financial advisers who are able to offer

both investment and estate planning advice. Our

financial advisers, in conjunction with your solicitor,

can provide guidance and in some cases, solutions

to either reduce Inheritance Tax liability or put in

place arrangements that will avoid a further liability

being created.

We can provide advice on what to do with any

investment plans, shares or policies held by the

deceased and explain all your options. For example,

you may want to keep savings and investments

temporarily invested, so that they continue to earn

interest until the estate has been settled. If you are

a beneficiary and you have money coming from

insurance policies, we can open an instant access

account for you to keep the funds safe.

If you think it would help to have a financial review,

contact us on 0845 600 0845* or call into any

Halifax or Bank of Scotland branches.

*Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of 4p per

minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The price of calls from

other telephone companies will vary. The call price is

correct at January 2008.

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1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 17

15

How to get thedocuments you need

*Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of 4p per

minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The price of calls from

other telephone companies will vary. The call price is

correct at January 2008.

Document

Statutory declaration or small estate form for

banking and savings accounts

Small estates declaration form for HBOS shares

held in a shareholder account

(reference numbers prefixed with I or C)

Halifax Financial Services claim forms

Other company shares (including HBOS shares)

held in a Halifax Share Dealing Account, PEP or

ISA (reference numbers prefixed with D or B)

Birth and marriage certificates

Halifax or Bank of Scotland documents

How to get the documents you need

Available from any of our Halifax and Bank of

Scotland branches or call the dedicated

Bereaved Service Centre on 0845 603 3216*

Write to the Computershare Investor Services

at PO Box 1909, Bristol, BS99 7DS or phone on

0870 702 0102**

Details of which office deals with the plan can

be found on any plan documents. Simply

contact us on the telephone number stated on

the documents.

Please write to Halifax Share Dealing, Trinity

Road, Halifax HX1 2RG or phone on

08457 22 55 25*

If you cannot find the original certificates, you

can get duplicates from the Registrar's office

where the birth or marriage was registered. If

you do not know where they were registered,

contact the General Register Office as detailed

on page 20

These include savings account passbooks,

certificates of investment, cheque books, cash

cards and credit cards. We will need them to

close or transfer the accounts, or transfer assets

or debts. If you can't find them all, don't worry.

Just tell us and we will advise you what to do.

**Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of 8p per

minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The prices of calls

from other telephone companies will vary. The call

price is correct at January 2008.

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 18

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We will try to answer any queries you may have,

and explain anything you are not sure about. To

help with this, we have created a frequently asked

questions section below.

What’s the differencebetween an executor andadministrator?An executor or executor nominate (in Scotland)

carries out the wishes expressed in the will and

administers the estate. An administrator or

executor dative (in Scotland) is appointed by the

Court to administer the estate where there is no

will or the executor(s) named in the will is unable

or unwilling to act.

Is probate/Confirmationalways necessary?We will need to see a Grant of Probate, Grant of

Letters of Administration or Certificate of

Confirmation (in Scotland) in order to close

accounts, plans or share holdings, if:

– you are obtaining probate/Confirmation for

other financial organisations, or

– there is a total balance of more than £20,000

held in one or more of the following Halifax and

Bank of Scotland account types:

•All Halifax and/or Bank of Scotland banking and

savings accounts

•All Halifax Share Dealing accounts

•Halifax Financial Services Investment plans –

York administered

•Halifax Financial Services Investment plans –

Aylesbury administered

Other banks/building societies may have different

limits.

Will there be any inheritancetax to pay?There may be a liability for inheritance tax

depending on the value of the estate. You can

contact the Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline on

0845 30 20 900* to find out the current inheritance

tax threshold. This is a complicated area where our

financial advisers, in conjunction with your solicitor,

can provide guidance and in some cases, solutions

to reduce the potential liability.

What about withdrawingfunds from joint bankaccounts?In most cases, the surviving account holder can

continue to make withdrawals in the usual way and

any joint accounts will be changed to a sole name.

Where this is not the case, we will advise what

options are available.

What happens to standingorders and direct debits? We will cancel all standing orders and direct debits

from accounts held in the sole name of the deceased.

Your questionsanswered

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 19

17

If you are a joint account holder, simply tell us if

you want to cancel or change any direct debits or

standing orders and we will take care of them.

What happens to themortgage?This depends on how the mortgage has been set

up, whether it's in joint names or the sole name of

the deceased. If the mortgage is in the sole name

of the deceased, we will need to talk to the

executor or administrator, for joint mortgages we

will be able to provide further advice.

If the mortgage has already been paid off (apartfrom a small balance), we may be storing thedeeds to the property under our Deedstorescheme. Ask us to check for you.

What happens to tax-freeinvestments? The tax-free status ends on the date of the holder's

death. We will explain to you what action needs to

be taken.

What about an outstandingpersonal loan?If the loan is covered by insurance, we will tell you

how to make a claim to repay the loan. If not, we

will arrange with you for the loan to be repaid

from the estate. If the loan was taken out in joint

names, the surviving account holder can continue

making the usual payments or repay the loan.

What to do if a death occursoutside the UKIf the estate is under £5,000We will require the original Death Certificate and a

signed Statutory Declaration Form regardless of

where the customer passed away.

If the estate is between £5,000 and £20,000- If the death was within the EU, we require the

original Death Certificate and a signed Statutory

Declaration Form witnessed by a Solicitor, Justice

of the Peace, Notary Public or Commissioner of

Oaths.

- If the death was outside the EU, we require the

original Death Certificate to be certified by the

HM Consular Office for the country in which the

death occurred and where the Death Certificate

was issued and a signed Statutory Declaration

Form witnessed by a Solicitor, Justice of the

Peace, Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths.

If the estate is over £20,000We will require the original Grant of

Representation/Confirmation. If the Grant of

Representation/Confirmation was obtained

outside the UK it may be possible for it to be

resealed in the UK if it was made in one of the

countries listed in the Colonial Probates Act 1892,

otherwise a further Grant of

Representation/Confirmation will be required to

deal with the deceased's estate in the UK.

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1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 20

18

What do I do about creditcards?With Halifax and Bank of Scotland credit cards, you

should destroy them by cutting them in two and

return them to us. The account(s) will then be

closed. If there is money still owing on the card,

and the account is covered by Credit Card

Repayment Insurance, you don’t have to do

anything – you can leave it to us to deal directly

with the insurance company. If the account isn't

covered by insurance, we will advise you about

settling any outstanding balances from the estate.

If you were an authorised user on the credit card

account, you may wish to apply for a new credit

card account in your own name.

If you have any further questions, please contact our dedicated Bereaved Service Centreon 0845 603 3216* for help and advice.

*Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of 4p per

minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The price of calls from

other telephone companies will vary. The call price is

correct at January 2008.

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1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 21

19

What to do next

When you are ready, you can telephone our

dedicated Bereaved Service Centre on

0845 603 3216* or call into any of our Halifax or

Bank of Scotland branches to make an

appointment to see us. We will explain what you

need to do and confirm what documents you need

to bring with you.

In time, there will also be other considerations and

decisions to be made. For instance, if you are a

beneficiary, you may find yourself in possession of

a sum of money and want advice on how to

manage it.

We can arrange a meeting at your nearest Halifax

or Bank of Scotland branch to explain your options,

taking into account your circumstances and needs.

We can give you the benefit of our expert advice

and help you plan to secure your future.

Whatever your needs, you can rely on us to help

you through this difficult time.

*Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of 4p per

minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The price of calls from

other telephone companies will vary. The call price is

correct at January 2008.

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 22

20

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Useful contacts

Halifax & Bank of ScotlandBereaved Service Centre Tel: 0845 603 3216*

Halifax Car InsuranceCustomer Services, Halifax Car Insurance,

The Observatory, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0SG

Tel: 0845 605 7757*

Halifax Financial Adviser appointmentsTel: 0845 600 0845*

Halifax Financial Services Administration Centre –AylesburyPO Box 10, Walton Street, Aylesbury HP21 7GD

Tel: 0870 901 0137**

Halifax Financial Services Administration Centre– YorkPO Box 285, York YO90 1HX

Tel: 01904 611110

Halifax General InsurancePO Box 318, Halifax HX1 2RG

Tel: 0845 600 6001*

Halifax Insurance Ireland LtdTMPP Life Insurance Claims Unit

Dromore House, East Park, Shannon, Co Clare

Tel: 0845 600 6007*

Halifax Share DealingTrinity Road, Halifax HX1 2RG

Tel: 08457 22 55 25*

Halifax Share PEPHalifax Investment Services Limited, Mellon House,

Ingrave Road, Brentwood CM15 8TG

Tel: 0870 606 6417**

Computershare Investor ServicesPO Box 1909, Bristol BS99 7DS

Tel: 0870 702 0102**

PEP’s, Stocks and Shares ISA’s & InvestmentsHalifax Investment Fund Managers Limited,

PO Box 285, York YO90 1HX

Tel: 01904 611110

Support ServicesBenefits Agency (DSS)Your nearest office will be in the Phone Book

Citizens Advice BureauYou’ll find your local office in the Phone Book

Cruse Bereavement CareTel: 0844 477 9400*

www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

General Register Office for England & WalesSmedley Hydro, Trafalgar Road,

Southport, Merseyside PR8 2HH

Tel: 0845 603 7788*

www.gro.gov.uk

General Register Office for ScotlandLadywell House, Ladywell Road,

Edinburgh EH12 7TF

Tel: 0131 334 0380

www.gro-scotland.gov.uk

Her Majesty's Revenue & Customswww.hmrc.gov.uk or look in the Phone Book for

you local ‘Tax Office’

National Association of WidowsTel: 0845 838 2261*

www.nawidows.org.uk

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 23

Probate and Inheritance Tax HelplineTel: 0845 30 20 900*

www.theprobateservice.gov.uk

The National Society of Allied and IndependentFuneral Directors (SAIF)Tel: 0845 230 6777*

www.saif.org.uk

www.oft.gov.ukThis website provides further useful information

under their ‘Consumer’s Guide to Funerals’.

*Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of 4p per

minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The price of calls from

other telephone companies will vary. The call price is

correct at January 2008.

**Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of 8p per

minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The prices of calls

from other telephone companies will vary. The call

price is correct at January 2008.

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Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000.

Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ.

Halifax is a division of Bank of Scotland plc.

1/318802-9 (01/08)

Additional needsWe are committed to meeting the needs to

all our customers. If you have a hearing or

speech impairment contact us using

Textphone on 08457 323 436* (lines open

9am-5.30pm, 7 days a week). For visually

impaired customers, we can provide

documents in large print, Braille or on audio

cassette. Please speak to a member of staff.

We may monitor and record calls to help us

improve our level of service. We may record

calls to resolve any queries or complaints.

Customer complaints

Our aim is to please – but we know that

sometimes things go wrong. If you have a

problem, we want to know. A colleague will

be happy to help either over the phone or at

a branch. A copy of our complaints

procedure is available on request.

Complaints we cannot settle may be referred

to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

*Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of

4p per minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The price

of calls from other telephone companies will

vary. The call price is correct at January 2008.

1_318802-9_0108 28/1/08 13:14 Page 1