Life Insurance Claims

Nothing can fill the void, or eliminate the shock and confusion, that many people experience following the death of a loved one. At a time when people are least prepared to deal with practical matters, the endless details, arrangements, and planning can seem insurmountable. But there are things that must be done, and ways to help the deceased’s survivors maintain their financial security. It can be beneficial to have an experienced financial counselor to help you deal with the many serious and important details, and ensure that your family receives the benefits to which they are entitled. This can ease the stress of this difficult time, and allow you to devote your energies to the emotional needs of your family … and yourself.

A Delivering the Promise Specialist can:

• Assist you with filing all insurance claims.
• Identify important issues that need to be addressed, including re-titling assets, changing records, etc.
• Provide information regarding government benefits to which you may now be entitled.
• Review benefit options in areas such as health coverage, pensions, and life insurance.
• Identify your current income needs, and offer financial counseling on options and strategies available to meet those needs.
• Furnish information on grief support resources in your area.

To help start the claims process, an insurance company is likely to need the following: a statement of claim, with the full name and address of the beneficiary or the person making the claim; a certified death certificate showing the date, place, and cause of death; and the insurance policy (or certificate, in the case of group insurance), if available. Over the years beneficiaries have told us that the period following the death of a loved one is one of the worst times to make long-term financial decisions. In response to this concern, some insurance companies pay most death claims of $5,000 or more by establishing an interest-bearing account, with check writing privileges, for the beneficiary. This gives the beneficiary time to make well thought-out decisions regarding the use of the money, while it earns a competitive interest rate and is easily accessible.