Estate Planning 101

Notifying American Equity Investment Life Holding After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

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Need a Will or Trust?

Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
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In the wake of a loved one's passing, it's crucial to notify the appropriate parties. One of these is the pension provider, such as American Equity Investment Life Holding. This step is necessary for stopping pension payments and exploring possible survivor benefits.

Who Should Be Notified

American Equity Investment Life Holding is a leading retirement income provider specializing in fixed index annuities. If your loved one was receiving a pension from this company, it's important to notify them of the death as soon as reasonably possible.

When to Notify

You should inform the pension provider promptly after the death of your loved one. This will help prevent any overpayments and allow the quick processing of any potential survivor benefits.

How to Notify

To notify American Equity, you should call their Customer Service number at 1-888-221-1234. You will need to provide the deceased's policy number, date of death, and a copy of the death certificate. You can also mail this information to their postal address.

What to Expect After Notification

After you've informed American Equity, they will cease any ongoing pension payments. They will also inform you about any potential survivor benefits. These could include continuing payments or a lump sum payout, depending on the deceased's policy.

Tips for Notification

When contacting American Equity, remember to keep records of all correspondence. This includes noting dates, times, and details of phone calls. Also, ensure you have extra copies of the death certificate, as you may need to provide one to other parties.

Conclusion

Informing the pension provider, such as American Equity Investment Life Holding, after the death of a loved one is a crucial task. It helps in the smooth transition of pension benefits and prevents any possible overpayments. Being aware of the process and prepared with the right information can make this difficult task a little easier.

FAQ

Q: What if I don't have the policy number?
A: If you don't have the policy number, contact American Equity's Customer Service. They can usually locate the policy with the deceased's Social Security number and date of birth.

Q: What if the pension was being directly deposited into a bank account?
A: If the pension was being directly deposited, notify the bank as well. They can return any payments made after the death to the pension provider.

Q: Are survivor benefits automatic?
A: Survivor benefits depend on the specific policy. After notification, American Equity will guide you through any possible survivor benefits and their application process.