To help ease the burden and stress that comes with losing a loved one, we've simplified the claims process. File a life insurance death benefit claim quickly and easily with our step-by-step process, support resources, and required documents.
Express claims
You may qualify for our paperless express claims process.
To be eligible, the following requirements must be met:
To get your express claim started, report it online or give us a call at 888-887-2739.
Please select the claim package for your state, complete the form, then print and mail it to us.
From the claim packages, you can select your state from the dropdown menu on the form. Additional supporting documents may be required for the processing of your claim. Please review the claim package for a list of applicable required documents.
Once complete, please submit all requirements to the Claims Department:
If you would prefer to have the form mailed to you, please give us a call at 888-887-2739.
Important: 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.
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.
For a life insurance death claim, the will guide you through the form selection process.
Claim forms vary by the state. All claims forms can be found here.
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.
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.
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 (or beneficiaries).
There is no fixed deadline to file a life insurance death benefit claim, but filing promptly matters. Life insurance payouts typically occur within 60 days of filing, so submitting the required documents as soon as possible helps avoid delays and keeps the review process on track.
A claim typically requires documents that provide details of the death and may also include a copy of the policy. If the paperwork is incomplete, the claim cannot be fully reviewed until the necessary documents are received.
John Hancock offers multiple payout options for death benefit proceeds. Depending on the policy and your preference, benefits may be disbursed via check, Safe Access Account or electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Note: EFT is available for policies issued after December 31, 2004. A Safe Access Account is not available for policies issued in New York.
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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