How to File a Life Insurance Claim in the USA

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When a loved one passes away, filing a life insurance claim can feel overwhelming—but knowing the steps helps ensure beneficiaries in the USA receive the death benefit they’re entitled to. This guide walks you through how to file a life insurance claim, the required documents, timelines, payout options, and how to handle delays or denials.

Understanding the Basics: What Is a Life Insurance Claim?

A life insurance claim is a beneficiary’s request to the insurer to pay the death benefit following the policyholder’s death. Beneficiaries are typically named on the policy, but they must actively file the claim—death benefits are not paid automatically in most cases.My Blog+3L&G America+3Ethos Life+3

Step 1: Confirm the Policy and Beneficiary Status

Locate the insurer: Check personal documents, contact the deceased’s agent or employer (for group policies), or use policy locator tools through the MIB or state insurance department.NerdWallet+1lifeant.com+1
Check beneficiary nomination: If your name is listed, or you’re unsure, you can request information from the insurance company.NerdWallet

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You will need:

A certified copy of the death certificate (with a confirmed cause of death).L&G America My Blog+5NerdWallet+5L&G America+5
The original policy document, if available—or indicate if it’s unavailable.NerdWallet+5L&G America+5My Blog+5
Completed claim forms, such as the Proof of Death Claimant’s Statement.Investopedia+3L&G America+3Ethos Life+3
Identification and personal details (your name, address, his/her name, SSN, relationship).Wikipedia+9NerdWallet+9MetLife+9

If multiple beneficiaries exist, each must submit their own claim forms.Wikipedia+15NerdWallet+15MetLife+15

Step 3: Submit the Claim to the Insurer

Many insurers provide online claim portals; others offer claim kits via mail or email.Investopedia+4MetLife+4NerdWallet+4
Return forms with certified documents, following the insurer’s instructions (online, fax, email, or mail).MetLife L&G America

MetLife, for example, offers claim kits and verifies submissions within 5 business days, with payout options within 5 business days of approval.MetLife

Step 4: Review and Understand Payout Options

Beneficiaries typically choose between:

Lump-sum payment (a single large payment)
Installment payments (e.g. annual distributions)
Interest-only hold (insurer holds funds, pays interest until you decide)
Annuity options (lifetime or fixed-term income)Investopedia Ethos Life+9westernsouthern.com+9III+9

Ask your insurer which options are available—you may be able to customize the approach to your needs.

Step 5: Know the Timeline and What May Delay Payment

Typical Processing Time:

Most life insurance claims are resolved within 30 to 60 days of complete submission.Investopedia+15westernsouthern.com+15Verywell Health+15
If documentation is complete and no further investigation is required, some companies pay within a few business days.westernsouthern.com+1My Blog+1

Possible Delays:

Contestability period: If death occurs within the policy’s first two years, the insurer may investigate misstatements or cause of death.Investopedia+4Ethos Life+4Aflac+4
Incomplete submission: Missing or improperly completed forms will slow processing.Mutual of Omaha Aflac
Cause of death under review: If a death certificate lists a pending cause of death, this can delay payout.L&G America

Step 6: What to Do If the Claim Is Delayed or Denied

If You Are Waiting

Contact the insurer: Ask for updates and clarify what’s needed to move forward.Investopedia+2Aflac+2Investopedia+2
File a complaint: You can contact your state’s Department of Insurance or request help from an agent or NAIC.Ethos Life lifeant.com

If Your Claim Is Denied

Review the denial notice, which must include reasons and appeal instructions.The Insurance Universe
Gather evidence: Medical records, affidavits, or clear documentation to support your case.The Insurance Universe Investopedia
Submit a formal appeal within the time window specified. If needed, escalate to regulatory agencies or consult consumer advocates or an attorney.The Insurance Universe Reddit Ethos Life
In cases of bad faith delays or denial, beneficiaries may pursue legal remedies under state insurance laws.Investopedia

Step 7: Taxes and Policy Exclusions You Should Know

Death benefits are generally tax-free at the federal level. However, any interest earned on retained payouts or installment plans may be taxable.The Insurance Universe
Estate tax may apply if life insurance proceeds are included in a taxable estate. The federal exemption in 2025 is $13.99 million—but some states also levy estate or inheritance taxes.L&G America+15westernsouthern.com+15Wikipedia+15
Common exclusions: suicide within initial policy period, death from illegal activities or high-risk behavior, undisclosed medical conditions, or travel to restricted countries.Aflac+5Investopedia+5My Blog+5

✅ Quick Checklist: How to File a Life Insurance Claim

Confirm your status as a beneficiary, and identify the insurer
Obtain certified death certificate(s)
Collect policy documents or note policyfinder details
Complete and submit the insurer’s claim form(s)
Choose a payout option (lump sum, installments, etc.)
Track processing timelines—typically 14–60 days
If delayed or denied, follow appeal steps or file a compliant
Understand potential tax and estate implications

Why Filing Properly Matters

A smooth claim process ensures:

Timely financial support during difficult times
The full, intended benefit is delivered to family or loved ones
Minimizes delays or legal issues due to incomplete forms or overlooked exclusions
Helps you avoid losing benefits to state unclaimed property laws.III+11NerdWallet+11L&G America+11 MetLife+2Mutual of Omaha+2L&G America+2 Investopedia+1westernsouthern.com+1 Aflac Investopedia+1My Blog+1 Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2The Insurance Universe+2

Final Thoughts

Filing a life insurance claim in the USA requires careful, but straightforward steps. From confirming policy details to submitting required forms and choosing payout options, following the correct process will help beneficiaries receive their rightful benefits—often within weeks. Should complications arise, such as delays or denials, you have the right to appeal, complain or seek legal guidance.

Life insurance plays a critical financial role after death. Taking the time to file properly ensures that coverage supports those you cared about most.

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Outbound Resources

NerdWallet: How to file a life insurance claim guideAflac Investopedia lifeant.com+7NerdWallet+7westernsouthern.com+7 III+2lifeant.com+2Investopedia+2
Western & Southern: Life insurance claim process & payout optionswesternsouthern.com
Ethos Life: Claim timelines and proceduresEthos Life+1Ethos Life+1
Legal & General America: Required death claim documentsMy Blog+2L&G America+2lifeant.com+2
Mutual of Omaha: Comprehensive claim submission instructionsMutual of Omaha MetLife
Investopedia: Policy exclusions that can block payoutInvestopedia

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VoiceWhen a loved one passes away, filing a life insurance claim can feel overwhelming—but knowing the steps helps ensure beneficiaries in the USA receive the death benefit they’re entitled to. This guide walks you through how to file a life insurance claim, the required documents, timelines, payout options, and how to handle delays or denials.