What to do when a The Hartford account holder dies

Completed by the employer (Part I) and the claimant or beneficiary (Parts II and III). Available to download.¹

Completed by the policyholder (Part I) and the beneficiary or claimant (Parts II and III). Available to download.²

The State Notices say interest on a claim payment is payable from the date of death until payment at 6% a year or The Hartford's corporate interest rate, whichever is greater.³

The State Notices say the suicide provision excludes only life insurance in effect within the first year of coverage or the first year after an increase.³

Where the definition of Spouse requires a domestic partner affidavit, the affidavit must be notarized, with proof of cohabitation and at least two of twenty listed proofs of financial interdependence, such as a joint bank account, a joint loan or wills naming each other.³

If waiver of premium is approved after the elimination period, The Hartford refunds the premiums paid during the disability "to You, or to Your estate if You have died."³

The State Notices say the certificate's provisions "control over any conflicting statutes of any state in which the insured resides on or after the effective date of the certificate."³

Individually owned Hartford life policies, traditional life⁴

Individually owned Hartford life policies, variable life⁴

Talcott Resolution or Union Securities annuities bought before 2024, contracts in force⁵

Talcott Resolution or Union Securities annuities bought before 2024, annuitized contracts⁵

Hartford Funds mutual fund accounts⁴

Disability and leave benefits⁶

Accident, critical illness/specified disease and hospital indemnity claims⁷

Online access to a Safe Haven account⁴

Auto and home claims under the AARP program⁸

Auto and home claims outside the AARP program⁸

Life Essentials Core includes a condolence call from a social worker-trained Life Care Advocate, "The Healing Book" for children where applicable, a beneficiary checklist, EAP referrals and an expedited claim model for special circumstances. A handwritten condolence card is part of Life Essentials Select.⁹

Who qualifies: The Hartford says Life Essentials Core is included with all group life plans.

Complimentary loss support from Empathy, a company not affiliated with The Hartford: grief resources, guidance through probate and tax paperwork, help planning the funeral, recommendations for local professionals, a dedicated Care Manager and a step-by-step care plan.¹⁰

Who qualifies: Beneficiaries with a group life insurance policy; call 888-563-1124 to determine eligibility.

1-888-563-1124

The company-sponsored Employee Assistance Program includes unlimited phone contact with professionals and up to three face-to-face sessions. It is reached by phone or by email at info@compsych.com.¹⁰

1-800-851-1714

Travel Assistance, available when traveling more than 100 miles from home and for 90 days or less, includes repatriation of mortal remains.¹⁰

Caseworkers help review credit information and, if a theft has occurred, notify the major credit bureaus, help complete an identity theft affidavit and help replace credit or debit cards.¹⁰

Who qualifies: Not available in NY or WA.

The Life Essentials brochure says Safe Haven money "is not held in a bank account" and is held in the general account of the issuing Hartford company. It lists no monthly banking fee and an account closeout threshold of $5,000.⁹

Payment under an alternate mode of settlement in the policy is made only if The Hartford receives the beneficiary's written request for it before the claim proceeds are paid.²

For a beneficiary outside the United States, if the policy or an agreement says so, benefits are paid in U.S. dollars to the policyholder in the United States, in trust for the beneficiary, and the employer passes the payment on promptly.¹

If a beneficiary is a minor, a custodian or guardian completes the claimant and beneficiary statements for them.¹