FAQs

The beneficiary should provide a fully completed claim form and certified death certificate.

In addition to providing a certified death certificate and completed claim form, also provide a Report of Death of a US Citizen Abroad form, which may be obtained from the US Embassy. You may also call the New York Life toll-free claims number, (800) 695-5165, to understand the requirements for settling a claim when the insured’s death is in a foreign country.

Most funeral homes will provide the family of the deceased with several certified death certificates. You can also contact the Vital Records Division in the state of the deceased for this document.

New York Life will issue a check to the beneficiary’s address provided on the claim form.

If the claim is incontestable, payments are usually mailed 7-10 business days after New York Life receives a completed claim form and death certificate. If the claim is contestable, a claims review will be conducted and any benefit distribution payable will be determined upon completion. New York Life reserves the right to determine whether any insurance was inforce at the time of death, as well as the beneficiary to whom proceeds may be payable.

Yes, if the claim is incontestable, and the beneficiary signs an assignment form (provided by the funeral home) authorizing us to direct payment of all or a portion of the proceeds to a funeral home, and that assignment is received prior to the claim being settled.

Here’s some helpful consumer protection information regarding funeral homes that you might find helpful:

Federal Trade Commission - Planning a funeral? Know your rights (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2014/03/planning-funeral-know-your-rights)

The following tax forms are available from the IRS:

W-7 Tax Form – Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

Instructions for W-7

W-8BEN Tax Form – Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding

Instructions for form W-8BEN

W-9 Tax Form – Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

W-9 Instructions – Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9

W-9 Tax Form (Spanish) - Solicitud y Certificacion del Numero de Identificacion del Contribuyente

W-9 (SP), Instrucciones para el Solicitante del Formulario W-9(SP), Solicitud y Certificación del Número de Identificación del Contribuyente

Form 712 – Life Insurance Statement

A claim is considered incontestable when the insured’s death occurs two years or more after the insurance date or reinstatement date.

A claim is considered contestable when the insured’s death occurs within two years of the insurance date or reinstatement date. On contestable claims, the Medical Information and Authorization section of the claim form needs to be completed.

You contact us via phone, or you may complete a Living Benefit Rider claim form and mail the form as indicated in the form instructions.​

Waiver of premium is a benefit that relieves the insured of their obligation to pay future premiums once they have been confined to a qualified nursing home for 180 consecutive days.

Do I need to continue paying my premiums?
Yes, the Contract states premiums must continue until the claim is approved.

How do I know if the facility is approved?
The facility must be licensed as a skilled nursing facility. Assisted Living and Personal Care Homes are not eligible.

Can I apply if my policy is lapsed?
Yes, and we will determine eligibility based on the confinement dates and when the coverage lapsed. Please note we will not approve this benefit if the policy lapsed prior to the admission date or during the 180 day waiting period.

Does the nursing home doctor have to complete section 2?
Section 2 must be completed by a treating physician.

Who receives the refund?
The refund is issued to the owner of the policy.

How do I apply for my Waiver of Premium Benefit?
Nursing Home Premium Waiver