Gather Policy Information

• You must locate the life insurance policy number for the policy that you are making a claim against. Normally, a policy number will be located on a recent life insurance premium bill or the policy itself. If your loved one kept this information in a safe deposit box or a safe at home, then you will need to get access to it and retrieve the information.
  
  

Death Claim Form

• Fill out a death claim form. The death claim form is available from the insurance company that you are making a claim with. The claim form will ask for the name of the insured, as well as the policy number and the date of death. This form requires your signature and the signature of any other beneficiaries listed on the policy that will receive the money with you; contingent beneficiaries do not need to sign the claim form since they only receive the death benefit if you die prior to the insured individual named in the original policy.
  
  

Death Certificate

• Obtain a copy of the death certificate. Normally, this is available from the funeral home that is performing the funeral services for the deceased. However, your state's office of vital records also keeps a copy of the death certificate. A copy must accompany the death claim form for the insurance company to process your claim.
  
  

Process Paperwork

• When you submit the death claim form and the copy of the death certificate, you may be required to wait one to three weeks for the insurance company to process the paperwork and issue the death benefit claim. Most states mandate that claims be settled within 30 to 60 days of the death claim being filed. If your claim is not processed within this time frame, contact the insurer and verify that all information has been processed properly.