Ascensus
Subsidiary of Stone Point Capital / GIC (a new ownership structure co-led by Stone Point Capital and Genstar Capital was announced in 2026 and is pending close; GIC, an investor since 2019, remains invested)
ascensus.comEstate planning and settlement at Ascensus
Name beneficiaries online and report a death at 1-888-652-8086
Ascensus is a retirement provider managing 21 retirement retirement accounts. These tax-advantaged accounts transfer by beneficiary designation—not by will—making it critical to keep designations current and aligned with broader estate planning goals.
Ascensus lets account holders update beneficiary designations online, by phone, and by mail, typically taking 10 to 20 minutes. Trust funding options vary by account type—check with Ascensus for specifics.
There are two sides to estate planning at Ascensus: setting things up while you're alive, and the process survivors follow after a death.
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to manage beneficiaries online, and review 21 account types at Ascensus.
Preparing your estate →Death claim process
Report the death to Ascensus' Beneficiary Claims at 1-888-652-8086. The page lists the steps and the documents to send.
When someone dies →
Sources
Data sourced from Ascensus primary sources (24 pages reviewed). How we research.
Ascensus customer support
Financial Institution Support
Phone
401(k) / 403(b) / Qualified Plan Participants
Plan Sponsors / Employers / Advisors / TPAs
NQDC Participants (Newport, an Ascensus company)
SEP / SIMPLE IRA
SEP / SIMPLE IRA (Vanguard transition)
Individual(k)
Individual(k) (Vanguard transition)
Ascensus Essentials 401(k) (formerly Ascensus CoPilot)
529 and ABLE Accounts
Vanguard 403(b) Services
Newport Insurance (BOLI / COLI / ICOLI / CUOLI)
Privacy and Compliance
Mailing address
Website
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Ascensus accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Forms for Planning Your Estate
Free forms for planning your estate: a will, living trust, pour-over will, both powers of attorney, living will, and TOD deed.
Last Will and Testament
Name your heirs, guardians, and final wishes. Free for every state.
Transfer on Death Deed
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate. Available in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
Vehicle Transfer on Death
Name a beneficiary to inherit your vehicle at death without probate. Available in 26 states and the District of Columbia.
Tools for Planning Your Estate
Free tools for planning your estate: what a will or trust costs, whether you need a trust or TOD deed, and how documents are signed.
How Do I Sign Estate Documents?
Find witness, notary, and remote signing requirements for all 50 states.
Will My Estate Documents Transfer?
Check if estate planning documents signed in one state are valid in another.
Trust or Will: Which Costs Less?
Compare the cost of probate vs a trust for your state and estate value.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare revocable living trust costs across providers including online services and attorneys.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Compare will costs across providers plus probate costs your heirs will pay.
How Does SimplyTrust Compare to LegalZoom, Trust & Will, and Other Services?
Compare what it costs to make a trust official across SimplyTrust, LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker.
