Estate Planning 101

Notifying MetLife After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

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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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Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and amidst the grief, there are numerous responsibilities to undertake. One such task is notifying the appropriate insurance providers, such as MetLife if your loved one had a disability insurance policy. This step is necessary to close the policy and handle any remaining benefits.

Who Should Be Notified

MetLife, as the disability insurance provider of the deceased, needs to be informed about the death to close the policy, stop any payments, and handle any remaining benefits.

When to Notify

You should notify MetLife as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. This helps in closing the policy promptly and dealing with any pending claims or benefits.

How to Notify

To notify MetLife, you can call their customer service number provided in the policy documents. Be prepared to provide the policy number and a copy of the death certificate. It's recommended to follow up the phone call with a letter, including a copy of the death certificate, sent via certified mail for your records.

What to Expect After Notification

Once MetLife is notified, they will close the deceased's disability insurance policy and stop any ongoing payments. If there are any remaining benefits or pending claims, MetLife will guide you through the next steps based on the policy's terms.

Tips for Notification

Keep a record of all communication with MetLife, including dates and times of phone calls and a copy of the sent letter. If there's a life insurance or any other policy with MetLife, you'll need to notify the respective department separately.

Conclusion

Notifying disability insurance providers like MetLife is a crucial task after a loved one's passing. Although it's a challenging task amidst the grief, it's necessary for the smooth handling of their disability insurance policy and any pending benefits.

FAQ

Q: Can I notify MetLife online?
A: Currently, MetLife does not have an online process to report a death. You must call their customer service or send them the information via mail.

Q: What if I don't have the policy number?
A: If you do not have the policy number, MetLife can usually locate the deceased's policy using their full name and date of birth.

Q: What happens if there are pending disability claims?
A: Any pending claims will be handled based on the policy's terms. MetLife will guide you through this process after notification.