Money & accounts
Claim life insurance proceeds
Life insurance with a named beneficiary passes outside probate. The named beneficiary files a claim directly with the carrier.
- When to do it
- Within the first 30–60 days.
- Estimated time
- 2–8 weeks per policy
What you’ll need
- Policy number(s)
- Certified death certificate
- Beneficiary's ID and contact information
Steps
- Locate policies (look in files; check old employers; check the MIB Group's policy locator service).
- Contact each carrier and request a claim packet.
- Submit the claim with a certified death certificate.
- Decide whether to take a lump sum or installment option.
Get your free 30-day Executor Roadmap
A personalized checklist based on your state and situation. No legal jargon. We’ll email you the first week of steps and a free PDF you can share with family.
We don’t share your info. Unsubscribe anytime. By submitting you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms.
Related tasks
- Notify the Social Security AdministrationIf the decedent was receiving Social Security, the funeral home usually reports the death. Confirm — and stop benefits to avoid clawbacks.
- Notify banks, brokerages, and retirement accountsEach financial institution has its own death notification process. Some assets pass to a beneficiary directly; others must go through probate.
- Open an estate bank accountYou'll need a dedicated account in the estate's name to receive incoming funds and pay debts. Don't commingle with personal money.