Supporting you through the loss of your loved one.

When a family member passes away, it can be overwhelming and confusing. Below is a guide to help you understand what's required in relation to GSF membership - from ceasing retiring allowances to arranging a spousal annuity.

Let us know

It is important that the Scheme Administrator, Datacom, is advised of a member’s death as soon as possible.

The options and entitlements available to a surviving spouse or partner or the member’s estate on the death of a member depend on the elections previously made by the member. As these can vary, we recommend that you contact Datacom as soon as possible so they can work through the process with you. If you wish to read about the options available – these are described in the Provisions, Policies and Procedures of GSF, which can be found at : https://www.gsfa.govt.nz/policies/schemes/

If a deceased member was receiving a retiring allowance or spousal annuity from GSF, it is important that Datacom is advised as soon as possible so payments can be stopped. Payments are made 4-weekly in advance. Any payments made after the death of a member or recipient would be a debt against their estate and early notification will minimise any debts.

Contact details for Datacom are as follows:

Datacom Connect Limited
GSF Schemes Administration
P O Box 3614, Wellington 6140

Free Phone: 0800 654 731
Email: gsf@fundadmin.nz

If you are calling from overseas, please telephone Datacom on +64 4 470 6348.

Provide details

When you tell us about someone passing away, we need a few details.

• The deceased’s full name and address
• The date they passed away, if known
• Contact details of the person who will be looking after the estate, such as the next of kin, administrator, executor or solicitor. If the person is a solicitor, please ask them to provide us with a letter of representation, stating that they act for the estate.

Don't worry if you don't know everything on this list. We can work with you to obtain the information.

We'll also need to record your details and your relationship to the deceased. We may need proof of identity such as a passport or driver's licence.

The Death Certificate

While we don't need the Death Certificate immediately, please provide it to us as soon as you can. Either show us the original or provide us a certified copy. Certification can be completed by your local Justice of the Peace (JP), a solicitor or a Notary Public.

Helpful links

The following links may also be helpful in assisting you with the process of dealing with a family member’s passing.

Loss and Grief Counselling Support | Grief Centre

Grief Counselling services, nationwide presence, free group online services.

Public Trust

• Help for executors (fees may apply)
• Arranging probate
• Arranging a Letter of Administration
• Taking care of the whole process

Work and Income

• May be able to provide a Funeral Grant
• May be able to provide a short-term loan (Recoverable Assistance Payment) to cover the costs to travel to a funeral

Inland Revenue – Te Tari Taake

If you’re an executor of an estate, you may need to lodge a final tax return on behalf of the deceased person. Inland Revenue’s preferred method of being advised is through MyTrove (see next link).

MyTrove – a central place to notify key utility organisations of a person’s passing.

Money Talks

Your financial position might have changed after the loss of a loved one, so you can access free independent budgeting assistance and self-help tools.

The information and tools suggested are intended to provide general information only. It is not financial advice and does not take into consideration your personal needs and financial circumstances. You should consider seeking financial advice before making any decision based on this information.