NS&I failures pile on the agony for bereaved families chasing missing premium bonds
Bereaved families are facing significant challenges in claiming premium bonds due to delays and errors by National Savings and Investments (NS&I). The process has been complicated by the requirement for probate and outdated paper-based systems. Many families are left waiting for funds, with 34,000 owed a total of £367 million.
- ▪NS&I has acknowledged long-standing issues with tracing accounts of deceased customers.
- ▪The claims process can take over a year, with probate adding significant delays.
- ▪Families are frustrated by the reliance on paper documentation and poor customer service.
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About 24 million people have investments in £1 bonds which are entered into a monthly prize draw, with tax-free winnings ranging from £25 up to £1m. Photograph: Justin Long/AlamyView image in fullscreenAbout 24 million people have investments in £1 bonds which are entered into a monthly prize draw, with tax-free winnings ranging from £25 up to £1m. Photograph: Justin Long/AlamySavingsNS&I failures pile on the agony for bereaved families chasing missing premium bondsErrors and delays in tracing accounts at the trusted savings institution have compounded the stress of relatives losing loved onesZoe WoodTue 26 May 2026 02.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on Google“It has been more than a year of hell,” says Kate Constable about the time it took to claim £46,000 in premium bonds belonging to…
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