Inheriting private pension

[Sparkledr]

My aunt passed away at the beginning of the year. 6 weeks ago my aunts sister contacted me to say that I had been named as a beneficiary on her private pension, along with 2 cousins. She took my details, bank details, email etc. I have heard nothing since. I loathe to chase up my aunt who is grieving her sister and dealing with probate. Does anyone have any idea how this progresses from here? My aunt was in her 60s and not claiming her pension before death. No children.

@EggInANest Our pensions form part of the estate if the policy holder puts in a 'direction in writing' as to who the beneficiary/ies will be. In those cases the Trustees must pay the nominated beneficiary, there is no discretion, and the settlement value forms part of the estate.

@CuriouslyDifferent
Both I and my husband have defined benefit pensions and yes, the surviving spouse gets a percentage of the original pension (mine is in payment, he will retire soon). The percentage he would receive from my pension (banking) is considerably higher than the percentage I would receive from his (civil service). But I intend to be a merry widow nevertheless.