Individual annuities beneficiary claim center
We know how hard it is to lose a loved one. That's why we've made the entire claims process as quick and easy as possible. Here are the steps you’ll need to take in order to submit a claim:
Report a loved one's passing
Give us a call at 1-877-543-2363 or you submit a report it online
Once we are notified, a representative will then validate your information. For your protection, all activity on the contract will be suspended until the claim is settled. After initiating your claim, the death certificate must be mailed or faxed in prior to discussing any contract specific information over the phone.
How to navigate the claims package
Review your settlement options
Here’s a brief overview of the settlement options that may be available to you. These may be limited depending on the line of business and your relationship to the deceased. For more details, please refer to your claims package.
How to receive your lump sum:
Express claims
If you’re choosing an express claim, this offers a simpler, more streamlined process with a fast payout and no paperwork.
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following requirements. Please note, other requirements not listed may limit your eligibility.
- You are an individual
- You elect a one-time lump sum
- Your portion is $100K or less
- You are a U.S. citizen
- You have the death certificate
- You’ll be present on the call
To get your Express Claim started, give us a call at 1-877-543-2363.
Cash settlement
If you don’t qualify for an express claim, you can still receive a lump-sum payment via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or paper check.
Safe access checking account
This deposits your funds into an interest-bearing checking account managed by John Hancock.
Or to continue your contract:
If you prefer to keep your funds invested at John Hancock instead of receiving a lump sum payment, these other options may be available to you:
Spousal continuation
This allows a spouse to continue the existing contract as their own or in their own name.
Extended beneficiary account
In some scenarios, this allows a spousal or non-spousal beneficiary to continue a contract as an inherited or beneficiary contract if they qualify depending on the line of business. If this option is chosen, an annual distribution will be required.
Settlement account
This contract will remain open for a period of either 5 or 10 years, depending on the line of business and the type of beneficiary. It does not require an annual distribution, but all funds must be withdrawn by the end of the 5 or 10 year period.
Annuitization
This converts the death benefit into a guaranteed stream of income consisting of regular, recurring payments guaranteed for a certain number of years or for life. This option also depends on the beneficiary type and the line of business.
Submit your forms
Once completed, there are several ways to send us your paperwork:
Here are some helpful videos:
How to complete IRS Form W-9
How to complete the annuity claim form
How to complete the annuity claim form online
Step 4: Settle your claim
Settle your claim
Each beneficiary must complete and submit their paperwork before the claim can be settled. Once received, our team will look it over and contact you if they have any questions or if any additional paperwork or documents are required. After everything is processed, they’ll send your payout via the delivery method you chose. Or if you’re continuing the contract, they’ll provide you with a letter of confirmation with your new account information.
Take a look at our most frequently asked questions:
Documentation to substantiate the change must be submitted; for example, a copy of a divorce decree or marriage certificate.
If the proceeds are less than $10,000, John Hancock will generally allow parents of a minor beneficiary to claim the proceeds upon presentation of the minor’s birth certificate. Generally for proceeds of $10,000 or more, a court-appointed guardian or conservator of the minor’s property must submit the claim. For your state requirements, please contact an Annuity Claim Representative.
Each beneficiary who is a U.S. person must certify their taxpayer identification number and tax status on the claim form or submit a properly completed IRS Form W-9. If a beneficiary is not a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien or other U.S. person, that beneficiary must submit a separate properly completed IRS Form W-8 instead. There are different Forms W-8 depending on the beneficiary’s status. Please refer to the instructions on Forms W-9 and W-8 on how to complete each form. You can obtain copies of the forms and their instructions on the IRS website.
Letters Testamentary or a Letter of Administration are a state’s court appointment of a person to act as executor or administrator of an estate. If the beneficiary is an estate, the Annuity Claim Form must be signed by the court-appointed representative.
Separate claim forms are used because life insurance and annuity claims follow different processes and require different information. Each policy type has its own documents and review steps, so using the correct form helps avoid delays and ensures the claim is handled properly.
This information is not intended to serve as, and does not constitute, tax advice. Please contact your own tax professional with any questions about your personal tax situation.
Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
John Hancock Annuities are issued by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Lansing, MI 48906, which is not licensed in New York. In New York, John Hancock Annuities are issued by John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595. John Hancock Variable Annuities are distributed by John Hancock Distributors LLC.
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