How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Athene
Covers 13 insurance accounts — beneficiaries can be managed online
Customer Service
P.O. Box 1555, Des Moines, IA 50306-1555
Customer Service
P.O. Box 1555, Des Moines, IA 50306-1555
Death Benefit Claims
P.O. Box 1555, Des Moines, IA 50306-1555
Beneficiary designations are the foundation of estate planning for Athene policies. Unlike bank accounts, insurance products cannot be retitled into a trust. Instead, the beneficiary designation itself determines who receives the proceeds and how quickly they're paid. Naming a trust as beneficiary is an option when more control over distributions is needed.
With 13 product types, Athene offers a range of transfer options. Some policies support beneficiary designations, others can be retitled into a trust, and some require probate if no beneficiary is designated. The sections below break down each step.
- Primary and contingent beneficiary names and details
- For trust beneficiaries: enter trust name, trust date, and EIN
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Trusts can be named as beneficiaries with Trust Verification Form
- Irrevocable beneficiaries must approve any change
- Additional Beneficiaries Designation supplement form available for multiple beneficiaries
- Primary and contingent beneficiaries allowed
- Death benefits can avoid probate if beneficiaries are properly designated
Sources
Data sourced from Athene primary sources (24 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these Athene instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against Athene primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
Customer Service
P.O. Box 1555, Des Moines, IA 50306-1555
Customer Service
P.O. Box 1555, Des Moines, IA 50306-1555
Death Benefit Claims
P.O. Box 1555, Des Moines, IA 50306-1555
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