Losing a Loved One

Whether expected or unexpected, the death of a loved one creates a wide range of emotions and life changes that have to be addressed. As you begin to get your loved one’s financial affairs in order, one of the first things you should do is review his or her benefits package. You should also make whatever changes are necessary to your own benefits. This section provides you with information that can help you confront some of the emotional and financial issues involved with the passing of a loved one. Don’t forget to check out the great EAP services we offer to our employees.

Event Checklist

Remove from Benefit Plans

Contact your Human Resources Department for information about the benefit plans you may want to remove your loved one from, and what paperwork is necessary to accomplish this.

File Life Insurance Claims

In the case of an employee who dies, the Human Resources Department will work with the beneficiaries to handle the necessary paperwork.

    Social Security

    Contact your nearest Social Security office for information on survivor benefits. A deceased person’s spouse, minor children, or even divorced spouse, are sometimes entitled to benefits. However, Social Security laws change frequently so check with your local Social Security office, or call (800) 772-1213 for additional information.

    Be prepared to provide:

    • The death certificate (or a certified copy)
    • The Social Security number of the deceased
    • The decedent’s latest W-2 form or tax return
    • The name and address of the decedent’s employer
    • Social Security numbers of spouse and minor children
    • Birth certificates of spouse and minor children
    • Marriage certificate
    • Divorce papers, if applicable

    Veterans Administration

    For assistance in filing claims for veterans and survivor benefits, counseling or emergency financial assistance, contact:

    Disabled American Veterans
    P.O. Box 14301
    Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
    (606) 441-6300

    For information on military funerals, contact:

    Veterans of Foreign Wars
    VFW Memorial Building
    200 Maryland Avenue, NE
    Washington, DC 20002
    (202) 543-2239

    Sample Life Insurance Cost

    Many people are under the misconception that they cannot afford the amount of life insurance that they actually need. The following chart provides you an estimate of the cost of meeting your needs if you take out an individual policy.

    Using the Table

    Let’s assume that you are a male, aged 35, who needs $250,000 of life insurance. This table shows you sample costs from one insurance company, using the assumptions described below. If you are preferred risk, the premium would be $18.59 per month. If you are a 32-year-old female, your rate would be lower than $18.59 per month.

    The rates shown below are based on a 10-year renewable and convertible term policy, using “Non-Smoker Preferred Male” rates. Female rates are lower. (Remember, these rates are sample rates only, you might find lower rates in the marketplace.)

    Age
    20
    25
    30
    35
    40
    45
    50
    55
    60
    Amount of Coverage
    $100,000
    $11.11/mo.
    $11.11/mo.
    $11.20/mo.
    $11.81/mo.
    $14.44/mo.
    $17.94/mo.
    $25.11/mo.
    $34.73/mo.
    $49.61/mo.
    Amount of Coverage
    $250,000
    $16.84/mo.
    $16.84/mo.
    $17.06/mo.
    $18.59/mo.
    $25.16/mo.
    $29.53/mo.
    $47.47/mo.
    $75.91/mo.
    $113.09/mo.
    Amount of Coverage
    $500,000
    $29.31/mo.
    $29.31/mo.
    $29.75/mo.
    $32.81/mo.
    $45.93/mo.
    $63.44/mo.
    $99.31/mo.
    $147.43/mo.
    $221.81/mo.
    Amount of Coverage
    $1,000,000
    $48.13/mo.
    $48.13/mo.
    $49.06/mo.
    $55.13/mo.
    $81.38/mo.
    $116.38/mo.
    $188.13/mo.
    $284.38/mo.
    $433.13/mo.

    Note

    In general, a certified copy of the death certificate will be required.

    Documents & Forms