A beneficiary is the person or entity that is entitled to the death benefit of the annuity contract or life insurance policy. Types of beneficiaries may include an individual, minor, trust, estate, or a qualified retirement plan.
What is required to file a death claim? Icon Caret Down Describe me pleaseA death claim requires the beneficiary to complete and return the claim form packet with one copy of the certified death certificate. Click the Start a claim button to start the claims process.
Note: Additional documents may be required if you are a minor beneficiary, trust beneficiary, estate beneficiary, foreign beneficiary, or a qualified retirement plan beneficiary.
What if I have questions about my claim or benefit payment options? Icon Caret Down Describe me please
Contact us for assistance. When you call, we’ll ask you to provide the contract number or Social Security number (SSN) of the deceased.
Your claim form packet will contain a cover letter that includes death benefit values. Please be aware there may be different death benefit values available to a beneficiary depending upon the claim option that is elected.
Once you’ve received your claim form packet, please complete and return it to us at:
Fixed Annuities and Life Insurance Policies:
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
PO Box 59060
Minneapolis, MN 55459-0060
Variable Annuities:
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
PO Box 561
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0561
Please note: If a claim isn't filed within a certain number of years after the death, it is considered unclaimed property and is sent to the state in accordance with state requirements.
Frequently asked questions for returning claim form packet:Once I've submitted my beneficiary claim form packet, how long will it take to process? Icon Caret Down Describe me please
Upon receipt of the required documents, we will process your claim within 10 business days or within the applicable state requirements.
What is the difference between a tax-qualified and non-qualified annuity contract? Icon Caret Down Describe me please
Annuities are classified into two basic types: tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified.
Annuities:
If the annuity contract is a tax-qualified annuity, such as an IRA, the entire amount of the death benefit will generally be fully taxable. Different rules apply to Roth IRAs. The death benefit from a Roth IRA may be income tax free if certain requirements are met.
If the annuity contract is a non-tax-qualified annuity, any amount over the owner's cost basis (generally the after-tax contributions that were made by the owner) in the contract is taxable as ordinary income.
Life insurance:
The death benefit is generally not taxable to the beneficiary. However, any claim interest paid as part of the death benefit may be taxable.
Yes, if a claim isn't filed within a certain number of years it is considered unclaimed property and would be sent to the state in accordance with applicable state requirements.
If I want to elect annuitization payments to receive the death benefit, are there any time periods I need to be concerned with? Icon Caret Down Describe me please
Yes, the taxation of the death benefit proceeds for annuity payments is affected by the length of time between the date of death and the date the first payment goes out.
If you will receive the first payment outside of these timeframes, contact us to discuss your specific situation.
What are my payout options? Icon Caret Down Describe me pleaseYour death benefit options may differ according to the annuity contract or life insurance policy. Refer to the claim form packet to learn what is available. The death benefit amount that you receive from the contract or policy may also vary based on your death benefit payment option that you elect.
It’s a good idea to contact your financial professional or issuing agent to review and determine the best options for your situation.