What to do when a MassMutual account holder dies
Contact MassMutual's Claims Department — 6-step process, 6 required documents, and once all claim requirements are received in good order, benefit payment is typically processed within 10 business days. direct deposit is faster than paper checks.
Phone1-800-272-2216
Toll-Free1-800-272-2216
Mailing Address
MassMutual Service Center, P.O. Box 758511, Topeka, KS 66675-8550
Online Account Support
MassMutual Ascend Claims
Claims Department
Phone1-800-272-2216
Mailing Address
MassMutual Service Center, P.O. Box 758511, Topeka, KS 66675-8550
Online Account Support
MassMutual Ascend Claims
WebsiteLearn more→
Claims Department
Phone1-800-272-2216
Fax(513) 412-5122
Mailing Address
MassMutual Service Center, P.O. Box 758511, Topeka, KS 66675-8550
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
A death claim on a MassMutual policy is filed through the Claims Department (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.
MassMutual offers an online claims portal that makes the initial filing process more straightforward. Survivors can also initiate claims by phone or by mailing documentation directly.
Death claim process
Follow these steps to file a death claim with MassMutual:
Filing a claim
1
Gather required documents before contacting MassMutual:
- Locate the MassMutual policy documents and note the policy or contract number
- Obtain certified copies of the death certificate from the local vital records office
2
Contact MassMutual at 1-800-272-2216 to initiate the claim, or start the process online at massmutual.com/claims
3
Your financial professional or a claims representative will guide you through the process
4
Complete and submit claim documentation:
- Provide the deceased's name, policy/contract number, Social Security number, and date of death
- Complete the Claimant's Statement form with beneficiary information, Social Security or tax ID number, and preferred payment method
- Submit a certified death certificate with the claim
- If a trust is the beneficiary, provide trust documents and trustee identification
5
Select payout method:
- Lump sum (check or direct deposit) or Benefit Management Account (BMA)
- Set up direct deposit for faster payment by providing bank routing and account numbers
6
Once all required documents are received in good order, payment is typically processed within 10 business days
Required Documents
- Completed Claimant's Statement form
- Certified death certificate (original or certified copy)
- Government-issued ID for the beneficiary (driver's license or passport)
- Policy or contract number and deceased's Social Security number
- Trust documents and trustee ID (if a trust is the beneficiary)
- Additional documentation as requested by the claims team (medical records, police report if applicable)
Annuity death claims are handled separately; visit massmutual.com/claims/annuity-death-claims or call the same number. For MassMutual Ascend products (certain annuities and life insurance formerly under Great American Life Insurance Company), contact 800-854-3649 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm ET) or mail to MassMutual Ascend, Attn: Claims Department, 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (P.O. Box 5420, Cincinnati, OH 45201-5420). Pension annuity death notifications can be initiated at massmutual.com/claims/pension-annuity-death-claims.
Expected timelines at MassMutual: Once all claim requirements are received in good order, benefit payment is typically processed within 10 business days. Direct deposit is faster than paper checks. Delays are almost always caused by incomplete paperwork—gathering all required documents before filing the initial claim helps avoid back-and-forth.
Documentation required by MassMutual includes Completed Claimant's Statement form, Certified death certificate (original or certified copy), and Government-issued ID for the beneficiary (driver's license or passport), along with additional paperwork that varies by account type. All death certificates and court documents must be certified copies.
Frequently asked questions
An ILIT is a legal arrangement where a trust owns a life insurance policy, removing the death benefit from the grantor's taxable estate. You can transfer ownership of MassMutual life insurance policies to an ILIT using the Owner Change Coversheet (FR2255p-LI) and the Certification of Trust form (F6734). For new policies, the ILIT should apply for and own the policy from inception. If an existing policy is transferred, it is subject to a three-year lookback rule under IRC Section 2035 for estate tax purposes. MassMutual does not establish ILITs; you must work with an estate attorney. MassMutual Trust Company, FSB can serve as a corporate trustee.
Contact MassMutual at 1-800-272-2216 or visit massmutual.com/claims to start the process. You will need the policy or contract number, a certified death certificate, and a completed Claimant's Statement form. Your financial professional or a claims representative will guide you through the process. Once all required documents are received in good order, payment is typically processed within 10 business days. For MassMutual Ascend products, contact 800-854-3649 separately.
MassMutual offers payout via lump sum (by check or direct deposit) or through a Benefit Management Account (BMA). Direct deposit is the fastest method; you will need to provide your bank account type, routing number, and account number on the Claimant's Statement. If no other preference is indicated, MassMutual sends a check for insurance proceeds after claims are approved.
Call MassMutual at 1-800-272-2216 or visit massmutual.com/claims/annuity-death-claims to start the process. You will need the contract number, a certified death certificate, and a completed Notice of Death form. For MassMutual Ascend annuity products (formerly Great American Life), contact 800-854-3649 or mail documents to MassMutual Ascend, Attn: Claims Department, 191 Rosa Parks Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Processing timelines and payout options may vary based on the annuity contract terms.
MassMutual's Claims Department can be reached by phone at 1-800-272-2216 and fax at (513) 412-5122 for questions throughout the claims process.
Multiple MassMutual policies may mean multiple claims. Some account types can be processed together, but others require their own documentation. Check with the Claims Department to confirm what applies.
Phone1-800-272-2216
Toll-Free1-800-272-2216
Mailing Address
MassMutual Service Center, P.O. Box 758511, Topeka, KS 66675-8550
Online Account Support
MassMutual Ascend Claims
Claims Department
Phone1-800-272-2216
Mailing Address
MassMutual Service Center, P.O. Box 758511, Topeka, KS 66675-8550
Online Account Support
MassMutual Ascend Claims
WebsiteLearn more→
Claims Department
Phone1-800-272-2216
Fax(513) 412-5122
Mailing Address
MassMutual Service Center, P.O. Box 758511, Topeka, KS 66675-8550
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
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