What to do when a MassMutual account holder dies
Report the death to MassMutual at 1-800-272-2216
A death claim on a MassMutual policy is filed through MassMutual (1-800-272-2216). Because insurance proceeds pass directly to named beneficiaries, this process is separate from probate. The required documentation and timeline vary by policy type.
Death claim process
Follow these steps to file a death claim with MassMutual:
Filing a claim
- The insured's or annuitant's name, date of birth and date of death
- Their state of residence and location at the time of death
- A mailing address to receive the claim packet
- The policy or contract number
- For a faster claim, their marital status at the time of death and Social Security number
- Pensions: 1-800-775-4331
- 401(k) plans: 800-309-3539
- Oppenheimer mutual funds and Oppenheimer 401(k): 800-525-7048
Required Documents
- Completed claim form from each beneficiaryA completed claim form is needed from each beneficiary.
- Certified death certificate, life insurance and annuity claimsOnly one certified death certificate is required, even with more than one beneficiary.
- Other documents listed in the examiner's letterThe letter summarizes the requirements to complete the claim. In some instances all original documents may be required.
- Funeral home assignment form, from every designated beneficiary, if proceeds are assigned to a funeral homeSubmitted with the claim requirements. Assignment does not apply to trust or corporate beneficiaries.
- Photocopy of the death certificate, pension annuity, with the Notice of Death
- Pertinent provisions of the trust, and proof the trust is in full force and effect, if MassMutual asks, where a trust certified on F6734 is paidF6734 says MassMutual may require proof the trust is in force before it makes any disbursement.
Claims Contact
Website: Online portal →
Forms MassMutual issues2
- Claim form (in the claim packet)
Completed by each beneficiary. Sent by the institution on request.1
- Notice of Death (pension annuity)
Completed by the spouse or beneficiary. Available to download.2
What happens to each kind of account3
- Life insurance policy
Premium paid beyond the date of death may be refunded on a prorated basis, subject to the policy provisions.1
- Annuity
Where the owner restricted the payout, FR3014-AN says "beneficiaries may not change the payout instructions as designated by the owner unless it is necessary to comply with Internal Revenue Code (IRC) requirements."3
If there is no living or existing beneficiary, the proceeds are paid to the owner or the owner's estate.3
- Trust account
Where a revocable trust owns an annuity and is not in effect at the owner's death, the proceeds are paid to the designated grantors equally, otherwise to the estate of the last grantor to die.3
Accounts handled elsewhere4
- MassMutual Ascend
MassMutual Ascend annuity and life insurance claims4
Phone: 1-800-854-3649
Fax: 1-513-412-5122
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM ET
Mailing address: MassMutual Ascend, Attn: Claims Department, PO Box 5420, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-5420 (overnight: 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202)
- MassMutual Annuity Service Center Hub
MassMutual annuity death claims1
Phone: 1-800-272-2216
Email: annfax@massmutual.com
Fax: 1-866-329-4272
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-8:00 PM ET
Mailing address: Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Attn: Annuity Service Center Hub, PO Box 9067, Springfield MA 01102
- MassMutual annuity service, Topeka, Kansas
Forms for MassMutual annuity contracts whose numbers begin with 57 or 583
Phone: 1-866-645-2362
Email: MassMutual.Services@zinnia.com
Fax: 1-785-286-6106
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-7:00 PM CT
Mailing address: MassMutual, PO Box 758511, Topeka, KS 66675-8550 (overnight: MassMutual, Mail Zone 511, 5801 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66636-0001)
What MassMutual provides to the estate1
- Tax forms
IRS Form 712 can be requested during or after the claim, in writing or by phone, fax or email, and can be provided after all the proceeds have been paid.1
What MassMutual's agreement and guidance say2
- How proceeds are paid
A lump sum may be chosen for any benefit amount. If no option is selected, payment is made by lump-sum check; electronic funds transfer is available.1
A life beneficiary can instead leave the benefit in an interest-bearing account with MassMutual, take payments over up to 30 years or of a set amount, or, as an individual, choose a lifetime income election, after which no other election can be chosen.1
On an annuity, MassMutual is only responsible for performing under the contract and is not responsible for carrying out the terms of any trust outside the policy.3
- Payment to a minor or incapacitated beneficiary
If no custodian is designated, money payable to a minor is paid to the court-appointed guardian of the minor's estate.3
Life: payment processed within 10 business days of receiving all claim requirements. Annuity: processed the same day and mailed within 7 calendar days.
MassMutual can be reached by phone at 1-800-272-2216, email at lifeclaimsemail@massmutual.com, and fax at 1-866-329-4527 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from MassMutual primary sources (16 pages reviewed). How we research.
MassMutual death claims support
Phone
Toll-free
MassMutual Ascend claims
Annuity death claims, Annuity Service Center Hub
Annuity contract numbers beginning 57 or 58, Topeka, KS
Pension claims
401(k) plan claims
Fax
Hours
Mailing address
Website
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