Life insurance death benefit claim
Life insurance death benefit claim
Here’s everything you need to know about accessing your benefit:
1 Report a loved one's passing
You can report it online or give us a call at 888-887-2739.
Express claims
You may qualify for our paperless express claims process.
Learn more
To be eligible, the following requirements must be met:
- Death benefit amount (for all policies) must be under $50,000 per beneficiary
- Beneficiary must be an individual residing in the US (no minor beneficiary or non-natural entity)
- Death occurred in the US
- Policy issue date must not be within two years of the date of death
To get your express claim started, report it online or give us a call at 888-887-2739.
Step-by-step guide to settling your claim
2 Complete the claim form
If you reported the death online, you may have already completed this step. If not, please visit the forms page to view, complete and print the claim form before mailing it to us. Be sure to follow these three steps:
a) Select “Claims” from the “Form Type” dropdown
b) Then select “Death Benefit Claim” from the “Claim Type” dropdown
c) Lastly, select your state from the “Select Issue State” dropdown
If you would prefer to have the form mailed to you, please give us a call at 888-887-2739.
Please note: do not complete a claim form if this is the first death of a survivorship policy. Only a notification is required. There may be other documentation required depending on your individual circumstances. You will be notified of any additional requirements when we receive your initial claim.
Step-by-step guide to filling out claim form
3 Submit requirements
Submit all requirements to the Claims Department.
Regular mail:
Life Post Issue - Claims
John Hancock PO Box 55979
Boston, MA 02205
Overnight mail:
Life Post Issue - Claims
John Hancock 410 University Avenue, Suite 55979
Westwood, MA 02090
4 Receive benefit proceeds
The death benefit will be disbursed via check, Safe Access Account (not available for policies issued in New York), or electronic funds transfer (EFT) (depending on the amount and your preference). EFT is only available for policies issued after December 31, 2004. The disbursement will include interest.
Communication is key to settling your claim quickly and efficiently. If you need additional assistance, please contact us with any questions, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET at 888-887-2739.
Take a look at our most frequently asked questions:
Which claim form do I have to submit?
For a life insurance death claim, the Death Claim Notification Request form will guide you through the form selection process.
Claim forms vary by the state. All claims forms can be found here.
What if the sole primary beneficiary is deceased?
If the primary beneficiary passed away prior to the insured, and there is no contingent beneficiary on file, the proceeds are payable to the policy owner or the policy owner’s estate (if deceased). If the primary beneficiary passed away after the insured, the proceeds are payable to the beneficiary’s estate. In either case, a copy of the beneficiary’s death certificate will be required.
What additional paperwork is required if the beneficiary is the estate?
If an estate is opened, then the executor or administrator of the estate must provide a court certificate of appointment, also known as Letters Testamentary, along with the Life Insurance Claim form. The claim form should be completed using the estate’s tax ID number and signed and dated by the executor or administrator. The executor or administrator’s title must be included with all signatures. In the event that no estate is open, it is now closed, or it is not being probated, please consult with a legal professional to determine how proceeds can be claimed based on the applicable specific state filing requirements.
How do I handle benefits that have been assigned to a funeral home or similar company?
If benefits have been assigned to a funeral company or similar entity, this does not make them a beneficiary, only an assignee. The funeral home or assigned company should not complete a claim form, it should be completed by the beneficiary(ies).
Insurance products are issued by: John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA 02116 (not licensed in New York) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595.
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