Following the death of a herd owner, the Inheritance Enquiry Unit of my Department provides advice and assistance relating to the transfer of agricultural schemes in which the late herd owner participated. The Department requires a copy of the will of the deceased and a copy of the Grant of Probate once available. Where the deceased has died Intestate, a copy of the Letters of Administration should be provided when available.
Where schemes are transferred to the rightful beneficiary, and this beneficiary does not hold a herd number in his/her own name, the herd number of the deceased may be transferred to the name of the beneficiary by contacting the relevant Department Regional Veterinary Office. The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the associated Greening payment are made on the basis of payment entitlements held by the herd owner. BPS entitlements held by the deceased herd owner may be transferred by way of inheritance.
The Inheritance Enquiry Unit of my Department will provide the next of kin or legal representative of the deceased with contact details for further information and arrangements regarding the transfer of other schemes administered by my Department, including Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme, GLAS, ANC, TAMS, Sheep Welfare and Beef Schemes.