How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Delaware Life
Covers 13 insurance accounts — beneficiaries can be managed online
Customer Service (annuity & life policies issued 9/1/2020 or later)
P.O. Box 80428, Indianapolis, IN 46280-0428 (forms); express/overnight: 10555 Group 1001 Way, Zionsville, IN 46077
Customer Service (annuity & life policies issued 9/1/2020 or later)
P.O. Box 80428, Indianapolis, IN 46280-0428 (forms); express/overnight: 10555 Group 1001 Way, Zionsville, IN 46077
Death Claims
P.O. Box 80428, Indianapolis, IN 46280-0428 (forms); express/overnight: 10555 Group 1001 Way, Zionsville, IN 46077
Beneficiary designations are the foundation of estate planning for Delaware Life 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, Delaware Life 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.
- Designate primary and contingent beneficiaries
- For trust beneficiaries: enter the 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 proper trust documentation
- Primary and contingent beneficiaries allowed
- Spousal consent may be required for qualified annuity contracts
- Death benefits pass directly to named beneficiaries, avoiding probate
Sources
Data sourced from Delaware Life primary sources (16 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these Delaware Life instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against Delaware Life primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
Customer Service (annuity & life policies issued 9/1/2020 or later)
P.O. Box 80428, Indianapolis, IN 46280-0428 (forms); express/overnight: 10555 Group 1001 Way, Zionsville, IN 46077
Customer Service (annuity & life policies issued 9/1/2020 or later)
P.O. Box 80428, Indianapolis, IN 46280-0428 (forms); express/overnight: 10555 Group 1001 Way, Zionsville, IN 46077
Death Claims
P.O. Box 80428, Indianapolis, IN 46280-0428 (forms); express/overnight: 10555 Group 1001 Way, Zionsville, IN 46077
Estate planning articles
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