Estate planning and settlement at New York Life
Name beneficiaries online, fund a trust online, and report a death at 1-800-225-5695
New York Life offers 19 insurance products that play a central role in estate planning. Because policy proceeds pass directly to named beneficiaries—bypassing probate entirely—keeping designations current is one of the highest-impact steps policyholders can take.
New York Life lets account holders update beneficiary designations online, by phone, and by mail. Trust funding is also available, allowing families to name a trust as the policy beneficiary or establish an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT).
There are two sides to estate planning at New York Life: setting things up while you're alive, and the process survivors follow after a death.
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to manage beneficiaries online, fund a trust online, and review 19 account types at New York Life.
Preparing your estate →Death claim process
Report the death to New York Life Claims & Benefits at 1-800-225-5695. The page lists the steps and the documents to send.
When someone dies →
Sources
Data sourced from New York Life primary sources (44 pages reviewed). How we research.
New York Life customer support
New York Life Customer Service (life insurance and annuities)
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Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your New York Life accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Forms for Planning Your Estate
Free forms for planning your estate: a will, living trust, pour-over will, both powers of attorney, living will, and TOD deed.
Last Will and Testament
Name your heirs, guardians, and final wishes. Free for every state.
Transfer on Death Deed
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate. Available in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
Vehicle Transfer on Death
Name a beneficiary to inherit your vehicle at death without probate. Available in 26 states and the District of Columbia.
Tools for Planning Your Estate
Free tools for planning your estate: what a will or trust costs, whether you need a trust or TOD deed, and how documents are signed.
How Do I Sign Estate Documents?
Find witness, notary, and remote signing requirements for all 50 states.
Will My Estate Documents Transfer?
Check if estate planning documents signed in one state are valid in another.
Trust or Will: Which Costs Less?
Compare the cost of probate vs a trust for your state and estate value.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare revocable living trust costs across providers including online services and attorneys.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Compare will costs across providers plus probate costs your heirs will pay.
How Does SimplyTrust Compare to LegalZoom, Trust & Will, and Other Services?
Compare what it costs to make a trust official across SimplyTrust, LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker.
