What to do when a SBLI account holder dies
Report the death to SBLI Claims at 1-800-694-7254
When an insured person dies, the beneficiary or executor should contact SBLI Claims at 1-800-694-7254 to start the claims process. Insurance proceeds are paid directly to the named beneficiary and do not go through probate. How quickly the claim is processed depends on the policy type, documentation, and cause of death.
Death claim process
Follow these steps to file a death claim with SBLI:
Filing a claim
- Complete an online form (listed as suitable when the beneficiary is a spouse, ex-spouse, or direct family member; about 10 minutes to submit)
- Request a claim form to be mailed (suitable for any beneficiary; about 5-7 days to receive the form by postal mail)
Required Documents
- Completed claim form, one per beneficiary
- Certified death certificateSBLI states the raised seal must be visible and legible, and does not accept draft or preliminary versions.
- Separation agreement, if the claimant was divorced from the insured
- Voided check and a bank statement or deposit slip, for direct deposit (online claims only)
- Guardian or conservator documentation, if the beneficiary is a minorLegal documentation identifying the court-appointed guardian or conservator of the minor's estate.
- Proof of executorship, or a Small Estate Affidavit or Surviving Heir Affidavit, if the benefit is payable to the estateSuch as Letters of Administration or Summary of Administration. Also send a claim form signed by the estate representative and certified death certificates for both the insured and the deceased beneficiary.
- Authorization form, if the policy is contestableSent with the completed claim form and a certified death certificate.
- Foreign death certificate, if the death occurred outside the U.S.Translated into English if needed. Depending on the country, also a report from a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Certified death certificate for the deceased beneficiary, if a listed beneficiary has died
Claims Contact
Website: Online portal →
Forms SBLI issues2
What happens to each kind of account1
What SBLI's agreement and guidance say1
About 7-10 business days online or 10-12 by mailed form, once all documentation is received. Contestable, foreign and accidental-death claims can take longer.
SBLI Claims can be reached by phone at 1-800-694-7254 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from SBLI primary sources (19 pages reviewed). How we research.
SBLI death claims support
SBLI Claims
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