Life Insurance
Funeral
Planning Guide
What you need to know
Introduction
Throughout your life, you’ve been a source of emotional, physical
and financial support for your family members and friends. With
our Funeral Planning Guide, you can help support your loved ones
at a time when they need it most. By documenting your funeral
preferences, as well as other key information for your survivors,
you can provide support posthumously — a final act of love.
Grieving family members and friends may be confronted with dozens of funeral planning
decisions — all of which typically must be made quickly and under great emotional duress.
What kind of funeral should it be? What funeral provider should you use? Should you bury
or cremate the body? What other arra ngement s should you plan? Whom should you notify?
And, as unpleasant as it may sound, how much is it all going to cost, and where will the money
come from to pay for it? Knowing and following your wishes can alleviate the decision-ma king
stress and allow your loved ones to focus on their emotional needs and on other family ma tter s
which may arise during difficult times. Following the funeral, your financial affairs will need to
be finalized, and the information you provide for your loved ones will be invaluable in
completing this task.
This Funeral Planning Guide provides an easy-to-use f or ma t for documenting information
your loved ones will need after your dea th:
•
The “My Personal Information” section allows you to record details your family will
need for official records but that, in their grief, they may not be able to recall.
•
The “My Funeral Plans” section makes it simple to detail your wishes regarding
your funeral. Should you not wish to plan your own funeral, your loved ones can use
this information to do it for you.
•
The “My Important Contacts and Information” sect ion provides a place for you to
record key information your loved ones may need following your death, such as insura nce
and financial information.
The Guide also provides you and/or your loved ones with information on funera l planning and on
estate settlement, as well as descriptions of MetLife benefits that may be available to you
or your beneficiaries, and a list of additional resources you may need.
Once you have completed the Funeral Planning Guide, it can be saved to your computer. As a
backup, we recommend printing it out to keep with your other important papers. You may want
to use the guide to initiate conversations with y our family about ot her end-of-life issues, as w e ll.
In any event, be sure to let your family know where this information can be found, should they
need it.*
* Note: MetLife neither captures nor stores any of the preferences or personal information you
enter in the Funeral Planning Guide. MetLife is not responsible for retention or communication
to any third party of the contents of your Funeral Planning Guide. MetLife suggests printing the
completed guide and saving it in a secure place with your other important personal information
and documentation. This Planning Guide is provided to you for informational purposes only and
does not intend to cover all aspects of your specific circumstances. MetLife nor any of its affiliates,
employees or representatives provide specific tax or legal advice. Please consult an attorney
regarding your own personal situation.
Since a will is usually not read
until after the funeral, it’s not
a good place to indicate your
funeral preferences. It’s also
not a good idea to put the only
copy of your Funeral Planning
Guide in your safe deposit box,
since your family may not have
immediate access to the box
following your death.
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Table of Contents
2
I.
My Personal Information
2
A. Death Certificate Information
3
II. My Funeral Plans
9
III. My Important Contacts and Information
9
A. Key Contacts
11
B. Insurance Information
12
C. Important Information
15
IV. Funeral Planning Information
15
A. Prepaying
15
B. Preplanning
15
C. The Funeral Rule
16
D. Types of Funerals
16
E. Funeral Costs
1
8
F. Paying for the Funeral
18
G. Funeral Terms and Tips
19
V. Settling the Estate
21
VI. MetLife Benefits for You and Your Beneficiary(ies)
21
A. How do you know if you have enough life insurance to meet your family’s needs?
22
B. Estate Planning Services
22
C. Estate Resolution Services
SM
(ERS)
22
D. WillsCenter.com
23
E. Grief Counseling
23
F. MetLife Delivering The Promise
®
(DTP)
23
G. Total Control Account
®
(TCA)
24 VII. The MetLife Death Claim Process
25 VIII. Additional Resources
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I. My Personal Information
A. Death Certificate Information
Your loved ones will need the following information about you in order to obtain a death certificate:
Full Legal Name:
First Name
Middle Name
Last Name
Suffix (Sr., Jr., III, etc.)
Other Names By Which You May Be Known:
First Name
Middle Name
Last Name
Suffix (Sr., Jr., III, etc.)
Social Security Number:
Date of Birt h:
City & State of Birth:
Ethnic or Cultural Heritage:
Your Maiden Name:
Mother’s Maiden Name:
Father’s Name:
Marital Status: Married Never Married Widowed Divorced
Spouse / Domestic Partner Name:
Wedding / Registration Date & Place:
Your Children:
First Name Middle Name Last Name Date of Birth City & State of Birt h
Were you ever in the Armed Forces? Yes No
If Yes, what Branch or Country:
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Education:
High School
Name
City & State
Highest Grade Completed
or Degree Earned
College
Name City & State Highest Grade Completed
or Degree Earned
Other Personal Identification Numbers
Driver’s License # / State:
Visa #:
Passport # / Issuing Country:
Green Card #:
II. My Funeral Plans
Record your final wishes below to assist your grieving family in making the final arrangements you desire. This information will
provide a “road map” your loved ones can follow to memorialize your life. Knowing t hey are fulfilling your final requests will give
them peace of mind during a very difficult time.
People I’d like personally notified of my death:
Name: Phone #:
Name: Phone #:
Name: Phone #:
Name: Phone #:
I have a prepaid funeral plan:
Provider’s Name
Address
Phone Number
Plan # or Other Identifier
Name of Cemetery & Plot #
Location of Documents
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I do NOT have a prepaid funeral plan. I would like my funeral to be in accordance with the preferences I’ve document ed below:
Arrangements should be made by (select all that apply):
My Spouse My Father My Mother My Children
A Sibling
Other
I would like my remains to be handled as follows:
Ground burial in a private cemetery (specify):
I have purchased a plot (specify plot #):
I have not purchased a plot Interred in a national cemetery (eligible veterans, and eligible family members)
Interred in a mausoleum (specify):
I have purchased a crypt (specify #):
I have not purchased a crypt
Cremation, with cremated remains (ashes):
Interred in mausoleum (niche) Interred in burial plot
Scattered (specify where — check local, state and federal laws)
Other (please explain)
I have registered to donate my body/organs to (specify):
They will return my remains which should be:
Interred in mausoleum (niche) Interred in burial plot Cremated
Other (please explain)
I would like a:
Traditional funeral, followed by burial or cremation
Direct burial or cremation, followed by a memorial service
Direct burial or cremation, no memorial service
Other (please explain)
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Traditional Funeral/Memorial Service Preferences
Visitation and viewing preferences (if applicable):
At the f unera l home
At place of worship
Open casket Viewing only at the funera l home prior to cer emony No viewing/no open casket I’m not sure
Other (please explain)
Calling hours (if applicable):
Traditional hours
Other (please explain)
N/A
Personal preferences (if applicable):
Glasses to be worn Yes No
If “Yes” Glasses to remain with me
Remove before interment and return to:
Jewelry to be worn (specify):
Jewelry to remain with me
Remove before interment and return to:
Specific clothing:
Other:
N/A
Ceremony preferences (if applicable):
No ceremony
Funeral ceremony at place of worship (specify):
Funeral ceremony at funeral home (specify):
Graveside ceremony only
Memorial ceremony at (specify):
Other (please explain)
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Ceremony officiant (i.e., clergy/speaker)(if applicable):
First choice: Phone #:
Second choice: Phone #:
Other Speakers: Phone #:
Special affiliations for my ceremony should include:
N/A
MILITARY Cer emony (specify):
LODGE Ceremony (specify):
OTHER Ceremony (specify):
Some things I would like to have shared at the ceremony would be (you may wish to attach additional pages):
Marker/headstone preferences (if applicable):
Type of marker/headstone desired:
Inscription desired:
Pallbearer suggestions (if applicable):
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Music preferences (if applicable):
N/A No music
Pre-recorded music (specify):
Live music
Soloist (specify):
Group (specify):
Musician(s) (specify):
Special songs to include (specify):
Congregational singing (with the following songs):
Requested readings, poetry or religious text (if applicable):
Flower preferences (if applicable):
N/A Casket spray Lid arrangement Standing spray Matching baskets
Specialty pieces (i.e., floral hea rts or religious symbols)
Other (please explain)
No flowers
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the following organizations, ministries a nd/or charities:
Name:
Address:
Name:
Address:
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SPECIAL NOTES AND WISHES
Obituary — I’d like the following included:
Hobbies and/or personal interests:
Clubs, lodges, membership in various organizations, church affiliation and activities:
Military service:
Special recognition and/or achievements:
Other information:
Survived by (additional pages may be added): name, relationship, city & sta te
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Pre-deceased by (additional pages may be added): name, relationship, yea r of death
Is there any specific information you do not wish to be sha red?
III. My Important Contacts and Information
A. Key Contacts
Personal Advisors can be invaluable in assisting your family members during the difficult time following your deat h. Give your family easy access to
contact them by filling in the information below as accurately as possible.
Advisor Name Email Address Phone Number
Executor/Administrator
Lawyer
Accountant
Financial
Insurance Agent
Stockbroker
Banker
Employer
Landlord
Doctor (general)
Doctor (specialist)
Dentist
Other
Other
Other
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EMPLOYER(S)
1. Current/Most Recent Employer:
Name:
Employer Address:
Telephone:
Hire
Date:
Employee ID#:
2. Former Employers:
Name:
Employer Address:
Telephone:
Hire
Date:
Employee ID#:
Name:
Employer Address:
Telephone:
Hire
Date:
Employee ID#:
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION:
Organization Name:
Role:
Member #:
Contact Information:
UNION AFFILIATION (if applicable):
Union Name:
Local:
Member #:
Contact Information:
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH (if applicable):
Rank:
Serial #:
Discharge Da te:
Contact Information:
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B. Insurance Information
In today’s busy life, it’s difficult to remember the details. And even though you may have told your family about details like your medical insurance
or where you’ve wor ked, chances are they don’t remember. Help simplify matters for y our family by providing the pertinent details they may need
to submit claims or ask about survivor benefits.
HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES
Medical:
Type of coverage: Group
Insurance Company:
Individual
Medicare
Medicare Supplement
Health Care Plan
ID#:
Group ID #:
Contact Name:
Telephone:
Type of coverage: Group
Insurance Company:
Individual
Medicare
Medicare Supplement
Health Care Plan
ID#:
Group ID #:
Contact Name:
Telephone:
Insurance Companies
Insurance Type Policy # Insurance Company Name Contact Info rmation
Life
Life
Life
Annuity
Annuity
Accidental Death
& Dismemberment
Dental
Disability
Long-Term Care
Homeowners
Car
Car
Other
Other
Other
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C. Important Information
Your Executor/Administrator or family will need to gather a va riety of documents following your death in order to settle your affairs. R e cor ding
the location of these key documents below can simplify this process and make it less stressful.
1. Location of Key Documents
Do cument
Location
Will
Birth Certificate
Citizenship Certificate
Military Discharge
Diplomas
Insurance Policies
Marriage Certificate
Divorce Decree/Annulment
Trust Documents
Property Deed(s)
Vehicle Title(s)
Passport
Social Security Card
Safe Deposit Box Key
Adoption Papers
2. Financial Information
Your family or y ou r Executor/Administrator will need information about your asset s a fter your death. Simplify the process by compiling your
asset information below.
a. Assets
Bank
Account Type
Account #
Bank Name
Safe Deposit Box
Savings
Savings
Checking
Money Market
ATM/Debit Card
Certificate of Deposit
Maturity Date
Certificate of Deposit
Maturity Date
IRA
Roth IRA
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Investment
Account Type
Account #
Institution Name
Brokerage Account
Contact Name & Phone #
Mutual Fund Account
Contact Name & Phone #
IRA
Contact Name & Phone #
Pension(s)
Type
Account #
Sponsor Name
Company Pension
Plan Administrator
Contact Name & Phone #
Company Pension
Plan Administrator
Contact Name & Phone #
Union Pension
Union Name & Local #
Plan Administrator
Contact Name & Phone #
401(k) 403(b) Plan
Plan Administrator
Contact Name & Phone #
401(k)/403(b) Plan
Plan Administrator
Contact Name & Phone #
Property
Type
Description
Location
Real Estate
Real Estate
Real Estate
Auto
Auto
Boat
RV
Motorcycle
Art Work
Jewelry
Collections
Other
Other
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b. Liabilities
In addition to your assets, your Executor/Administrator or family will need information about a ny outstanding debts that you have. To simplify the
process, compile your liability information below.
Loans
Type
Account #
Lender Name
1st Mortgage
2nd Mortgage
Home Equity Line of Credit
Reverse Mortgage
Auto
Auto
Boat
Personal
Other
RV
Motorcycle
Other
Other
Credit Cards
Company Name Card # Exp. Date Phone #
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IV. Funeral Planning Information
Planning a funeral means different things to different people. Some people prepay for their
funeral arrangements in advance, while others may simply preplan. When a loved one passes
away w it hout making specific f uneral arrangements, survivors should try to locate a ny written
instructions that can help them navigate t hr ough the process, while fulfilling the final requests
of the deceased.
A. Prepaying
Millions of Americans have contracted with funeral service providers to pre-arrange their
funerals and prepay a portion or all of the expenses involved. Individual state laws regulate the
pre- payment of funeral goods and services; these protections may vary widely from state to
state. Some state laws require funeral homes or cemeteries to place a percentage of the
prepayment in a state-regulated trust, or to purchase a life insurance policy with the death
benefits assigned to the funeral home or cemetery. However, some state la ws offer little or no
effective protection.
If you do decide to prepay, make sure you understand exact ly what’s included in the price. Are
you buying only mer cha ndise, like a casket, or are you purchasing the whole f uneral pa c kage?
Some additional questions to ask yourself if you are considering prepayment are:
•
Are you protected if the company you’ve contracted with closes its doors, becomes
insolvent or otherwise goes out of business?
•
What happens to the money you’ve prepaid? What are your state’s requirements?
•
What happens if you relocate, retire to a new state or die while away from home? Some
prepaid funeral plans can be transferred at an added cost.
•
Can you make changes to the plan, or even cancel the contract and get a refund, if you
change your mind?
•
What happens to the interest income on money that is prepaid (if money is placed into
a fund)?
B. Preplanning
Preplanning does not involve any contractual or monetary obligations. It simply means that you
make decisions about your final arrangements during your lifetime. To help ensure that your
wishes can be carried out after your death, it’s important to document them, and to let your
family members know where that documentation can be found.
C. The Funeral Rule
Most funeral providers are kind, caring professionals, who work hard to serve their clients’ needs
and best interests. In order to ensure this same treatment for everyone, there is a federal law that
makes it easier for you to choose only those goods and services you want or need, and also to
pay only for those you select, whether you are planning for yourself in advance or at the time of
a loved one’s death.
The Federal law, known as the Funeral Rule 16 (CFR Part 453), is enforced by the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC). It requires funeral directors to provide consumers with accurate, itemized
price information and various disclosures regarding f uneral goods and services. Itemized pricing
must be provided to individuals in person and, if you ask, over the phone. For example, the funeral
home must give you a written price list to keep that shows the goods and services the home
offers. If you want to buy a casket or outer burial container, the funeral provider must show you
descriptions of the available selections and the prices before actually showing you the caskets.
Avoid putting the only copy
of your preferences in a safe
deposit box, since it may not be
immediately accessible. Instead,
keep a copy at home, perhaps
with a list of your safe deposit
box contents.
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In addition, the FTC publication, “Shopping for Funeral Services” stat es t hat under t he Funera l Rule:
•
You have the right to choose the funeral goods and services you want (with s ome
exceptions).
•
The funeral provider must state prices in writing on the general price list.
•
If state or local law requires you to buy any particular item, the funeral provider must
disclose it on the price list, with a reference to the specific law.
•
The funeral provider may not refuse, or charge a fee, to handle a casket you bought
elsewhere.
•
A funeral provider that offers cremations must make alternative containers available.
D
. Common Types of Funerals
Funeral practices are influenced by religious and cultural traditions, costs and personal
preferences. These factors help determine whether the funeral will be elaborate or simple,
public or private, religious or secular, and where it will be held. The information below describes
common types of services.
1. Traditional or Full-Service Funeral
This is the most common type of funeral service and is generally the most expensive. It
usually includes a viewing or visitation, a formal service at a funeral home or place of
worship officiated by a cleric or other official, use of a hearse to tra nspor t the body to the
funeral site and cemetery, and burial, entombment or cremation of the remains. There may
be additional costs to be factored in, such as embalming and dressing the body, vehicles to
transport the family if they don’t use t heir own, a ca sket, cemetery plot or crypt, and for
other funeral goods and services.
2. Direct Burial
The body is buried shortly after deat h, usually in a simple container. No viewing or visitation
is involved, so no embalming is necessary. A memorial service may be held at the g r a veside
or later. Direct burial usually costs less than the “traditional,” full-service f unera l.
3. Direct Cremation
The body is cremated shortly after death, without embalming. The cremated remains are
placed in an urn or other container. No viewing or visitation is involved, although a memorial
service may be held, with or without the cremated remains present. The remains can be kept
in the home buried in a cemetery or buried/scattered in a favorite spot (check local, state a nd
federal laws). Direct cremation usually costs less tha n the full-service f uner al.
E. Funeral Costs
Planning a funeral can be emotionally and financially draining. Although nothing can alleviate the
emotional strain, it is possible to minimize the financial drain. The costs associated with a funeral
can vary widely, depending on the funeral provider, and the funeral goods and services chosen.
As a consumer, it’s important to request a price list so you can determine which funeral goods
and services you wish to include, and resist the urge to spend more than you want, or can a f ford.
Many funeral providers offer
various “packages” of commonly
selected goods and services that
make up a funeral. However,
when you arrange for a funeral,
you have the right to buy only
the individual goods and services
you want, and you don’t have to
accept a package that includes
items you do not want.
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1. Commonly Included Costs
•
Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff — Basic service fees include
services that are common to all funerals, regardless of the specific arrangement. These
include funeral planning, securing the necessary permits and copies of death certificates,
preparing the notices, sheltering the remains, and coordinating the arrangements with the
cemetery, crematory or other third parties.
•
Charges for other services and merchandise — These are costs for optional goods
and services such as transporting the remains, embalming and other preparation, use of
the funeral home for the viewing, ceremony or memorial service, use of equipment and
staff for a graveside service, use of a hearse or limousine, a casket, outer burial container
or alternate container, and cremation or interment.
•
Cash advances — Some funeral homes charge extra for goods and services bought
from outside vendors on your behalf, including f lower s, obituary notices, pallbearers,
officiating clergy and organists and soloists. Some funeral providers add a service fee to
their cost. The Funeral Rule requires t hose who c h a r ge an extra fee to disclose that fa ct in
writing, although it doesn’t require them to specify the amount of their markup.
2. Calculating the Actual Cost
The funeral provider must give you an itemized st a tement of the total cost of the funeral goods
and services you have selected when you a re making the ar ra ngement s. If the f uneral provider
doesn’t know the cost of the cash advance items at the time, he or she is required to give you
a written “good faith estimate.” This statement also must disclose any legal, cemetery or
crematory requirements that any specific funeral goods or services be purchased.
3. “Funeral Provider Cost Comparison” Form
You may want to use the below “Funeral Provider Cost Comparison” form to ga ther information
about the costs associated with commonly used funeral goods and services in your a rea.
Funeral Provider Cost Comparison
Provider Name:
Item Price Price Price
Non-declinable basic services fee
Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home
Embalming
Other preparation of the body
Use of facilities/staff for viewing
Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony
Use of a hearse
Basic memorial printed package
Casket
Vault
Total Cost
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F. Paying for the Funeral
Most funeral providers do not offer a deferred payment plan for funeral expenses, becaus e
trying to collect at a later date may be difficult, time consuming and costly. Unless it has been
pre-paid, payment must typically be made when services are rendered. Ca sh, cr edit ca rds, life
insurance proceeds and loans are the most commonly used methods of pa yment .
Life Insurance
Many people purchase life insurance coverage to help provide financial security for their loved
ones when they die, and to cover final expenses. When life insurance proceeds are used t o pa y
funeral costs, the Beneficiary can “assign” a portion of the insurance proceeds to the funeral
provider. Pa perwork is typically handled by the funera l provider, who will have the Beneficiary sign
a n “A ssignment ” form authorizing the insurance company to pay the funeral provider a specific
amount of the ins uranc e proceeds (equal to the f unera l costs) before paying t he Beneficiary.
G. Funeral Terms and Tips
Caskets
For a “traditional,” full-service funeral:
A casket often is the single most expensive item you’ll buy if you plan a full-service f un e ra l.
Caskets vary widely in style and price, and are sold primarily for their visual appeal.
Cemeteries — Private
When you are purchasing a cemetery plot, consider the location of the cemetery. Other
important points you may wa nt to consider include the type of monuments or memorials the
site allows, and whether flowers or ot her r emembr ances may be placed on graves.
Cost is another consideration. Cemetery plots can be expensive, especially in metropolitan
areas, and ther e may be charges for opening and closing the grave. Most, but not all, cemet eries
require you to purchase a grave liner, w hich will cost several hundred dollars.
Cemeteries — Veterans
Burial benefits for veterans include a gravesite in a national cemetery, opening and closing the
grave, perpetual car e, a headst one or marker, a buria l flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate,
at no cost to the family. Cremated remains are buried or interred in national cemeteries in the
same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains. This eligibility also extends to some
civilians who have provided military-related service, and some Public Health Service personnel.
Burial benefits may also be available for eligible spouses and dependents of vet erans, even if they
predecease the veteran. For more information, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Web site
at www.cem.va.gov. To reach the r egional Veterans office in your area, call 1-800-827-1000.
If you or a family member have
a problem concerning funeral
matters, it’s best to try to resolve
it first with the funeral director.
If you are dissatisfied, the Funeral
Consumer’s Alliance may be able
to advise you on how best to
resolve your issue. You can also
contact your state or local
consumer protection agencies
listed in your telephone book,
or the Funeral Service Consumer
Assistance Program. You can
file a complaint with the FTC
by contacting the Consumer
Response Center by phone,
toll-free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP
(382-4357).
Traditionally, caskets have
been sold only by funeral
homes. However, they are now
available for purchase at several
famous wholesale and outlet
stores. The Funeral Rule requires
funeral homes to agree to use
a casket you bought elsewhere,
and doesn’t allow them to
charge you a fee for using it.
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Cremation
Many families who opt to have t heir loved ones cr emat ed rent a casket from t he f unera l h ome
for the visitation and funeral, eliminating the cost of buying a casket. If you opt for visitation
and cremation, ask about the rental option. For those who choose a direct cremation, with-
out a viewing or other ceremony wher e the body is present, the funeral provider must offer an
inexpensive unfinished wood box or alternative container, a non-metal enclosure — pressboard,
cardboard or canvas — that is cremated with the body.
Death Certificate
This is a legal document issued by a government official of the jurisdiction in which the death
occurred, and typically includes the location, date a nd cause of death, as well as the deceased’s
identifying information (name, SSN, parents’ names, marital status, etc.). It is required to finalize
almost every aspect of a loved one’s affairs, both now and in the future. In fact, in some states,
the body can’t be moved without it. Later, it will be needed to start the probate process and to
file any life insurance claims. It may be advisable to obtain more than one certified copy of the
death certificate (a fee is charged for each copy requested) since only a certified copy may be
acceptable for many purposes. Most funeral directors will obtain the certificate(s) for the f amily
as part of their services.
Embalming
Many funeral homes require embalming if a viewing or visitation is planned, although
embalming is generally not necessary or legally required if the body is buried or cremated
shortly af t er death. Eliminating this service can save you hundreds of dollars.
V. Settling the Estate
After the death of a loved one, family members are often faced with the important task of
finalizing the financial affairs of the deceased. At a time when people may be least prepared to
deal with practical matters, the countless details, arrangements and planning can sometimes
seem insurmountable and confusing. Depending on the size and type of estate, this can be a
complex and expensive process.
The Executor of the estate is typically named in the will. An Executor has specific legal
responsibilities, including probating and settling the deceased’s estate. T hese duties typically
include collecting assets, settling debts, paying taxes and distributing the remainder to the
heirs in accordance with the will.
If there is no will, and there are probate assets, the Probate Court will generally appoint an
Administrator to handle the duties of collecting assets, settling debts and paying taxes. The
remainder of the estate is typically distributed in accordance with t he state’s intestate rules.
If you are the Executor or Administrator of an estate, and feel overwhelmed by the task, it is
probably wise to consult a lawyer if you can afford it, or at least find a comprehensive reference
book about your duties. Careful attention to financial matters can help a family deal with the
future, and can help ensure tha t t hey r eceive all benefits to w hich they are entitled.
Review your MetLife
Supplemental Group Life
Insurance benefits to see if
your coverage includes MetLife’s
Face-to-Face Estate Resolution
Services
1
benefit that can help
your Executor/Administrator
and beneficiary navigate through
the probate process to settle
your estate.
2
If you do not have a will, review
your MetLife Supplemental
Group Life Insurance benefits
carefully. Your coverage may
include Estate Planning
Services
1,2
, have access to
create and execute key estate
planning documents online by
answering a few simple
questions, or unlimited face-to-
face access with a MetLife
Legal Plans’ attorney to
prepare or update a will, living
will, Power of Attorney and
other estate documents. If you
do not have MetLife’s
Supplemental Group Life
Insurance, you can download
and prepare a will through
www.willscenter.com
4
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Some important suggestions:
•
Contact the Social Security Administration (800-772-1213) regarding any benefits
that the deceased may have been receiving, and any benefits for which loved ones may
be eligible.
•
If the deceased was receiving any pension benefits, contact the plan
administrator(s).
In some instances, the surviving spouse may be eligible to continue receiving all or part
of the pension, either indefinitely or for a given period of time.
•
Notify any insurance company with whom the deceased was insured. Ask for claim
forms and instructions on how to file for life insurance proceeds. To help facilitate this
process, an insurance company is likely to need the following information: a statement of
claim, with the full name and address of the beneficiary or the person making the claim; a
certified death certificate showing the date, place and cause of dea t h; and the actual policy
or certificate, if available. Many insurance companies will pay insurance proceeds into an
interest-bearing account, giving the beneficiary time to make well thought-out decisions
regarding the use of the money.
•
Notify the deceased’s employer (or former employer). If the deceased was
employed at time of death, there may be a final pa ycheck due. The employer can also
provide information on any deferred compensation plans that apply to the deceased.
Whether the deceased was currently employed, retired or on disability, you or other
family members may be entitled to benefits.
•
Contact the administrator(s) of any IRA , 401(k) and/or 403(b) plans in which the
deceased participated. These types of plans typically include a beneficiary
designation to facilitate payment.
•
If the deceased was a Union member, contact the Union representative. Check
on any Union benefits to which the deceased was entitled, as well as any benefits that
may be available to the surviving spouse or minor children.
•
If the deceased served in the uniformed services, notify the Department of
Veterans Affairs. A burial allowance may be available, subject to certain qualifications,
and his or her spouse and minor children may be eligible for certain benefits. For more
information, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Web site at www.cem.va.gov. To
reach the regional Veterans office in your area, call 1-800-827-1000.
•
Submit outstanding medical claims to the proper insurer.
•
Notify financial institutions with whom the deceased had accounts.
•
Notify creditors.
•
Determine what taxes are due, and file tax returns.
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VI. MetLife Benefits for You and Your Beneficiary(ies)
A. How do you know if you have enough life insurance to meet
your family’s needs?
If you currently have life insurance coverage, it’s a good idea to review the policy/ certificate
every few years to make sure it still meets your needs. Check to make sure all beneficiaries
and other information are current. Do any of the statements below pertain to you? If so, it
might be time to review your insurance options.
If you …
•
Were recently ma rried or divorced
•
Have a child or grandchild who was recently born or adopted
•
Provide care or financial help to a child or parent
•
Want to help ensure that financial resources are available to provide assistance or
long term care for a loved one
•
Purchased a new home recently
•
Have children or grandchildren who are about to enter college
•
Refinanced your home mortgage in the past six months
•
Received an inheritance
•
Retired or your spouse has retired
•
Have started a business
How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?
If you are the family’s sole breadwinner, or part of a dual-income household, an adequate level
of life insurance should be part of your financial plan. While no amount of money can take your
place, the right amount of life insurance can go a long way in helping your family to r eplace lost
income and maintain their standard of living. Life insurance coverage can help to defray the loss
of income and help your family maintain the household.
Find out how much life insurance you may need by using the MetLife Life Insurance Ca lc u lator
located at: www.metlifeiseasier.net
If you only have Basic life insurance, chances are good that your current coverage has not
kept pace with your family’s changing needs. MetLif e’s Supplemental Life program may be
able to help fill that gap.
MetLife Provides More Than Just a Death Benefit
MetLife makes it easy to get the most out of your benefits with MetLife Advantages
SM
,
a comprehensive suite of services that may be available with y our Group Life
Insurance.
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Services Available with Supplemental Life Plans
B. Estate Planning Services
1, 2
Employees who are covered under a MetLife Supplemental Life Insurance Plan with Estate
Planning Services can have unlimited access to create and execute key estate planning
documents online by answering a few simple questions, or unlimited face-to-face access
with a MetLife Legal Plans’ attorney to prepare or update a will, living will, Power of Attorney
and other estate document s. A will not only allow you to control how your assets will be
distributed, but also allows you to appoint a guardian if you have any minor children at your
death.
Information on how to access t hese benefits is sent to insured employees following the
effective date of their Supplemental Life coverage.
C. Estate Resolution Services
SM
(ERS)
3
For those unfamiliar with the Probate Court system, settling an estate can be a daunting task,
but MetLife’s Estate Resolution Services
SM
can make that task less of a burden. MetLife
Supplemental Life Insurance Plans with ERS offer the services of a MetLife Legal Plans
participating attorney at no cost. ERS provides the insured employees’ Executor/ Administrator
and Beneficiaries with the personal support of a MetLife Legal Plans attorney, in person or via
tele-phone. The participating plan a ttorney’s fees are covered for the Executor or Administrator
of the insured’s estate for t he following probate services:
•
Telephone and office consultations to discuss matters related to probating the estate;
•
Preparation of document s and representa tion at court proceedings needed to tra nsfer
the probate assets from the insured’s estate to heirs;
•
The completion of correspondence necessary to transfer non-probate assets such as
proceeds from insurance policies, joint bank accounts, stock accounts or a house and;
•
Associated tax filings.
Services Available with Basic Life Plans
D. WillsCenter.com
4
If you are not covered under a MetLife Supplemental Life Insurance Plan through your
employer, or if you want to take things at your own pace, you can visit WillsCenter.com, an
online document preparation service that can help you or your spouse/domestic partner
prepare a will, living will, power of attorney and HIPAA authorization form. T he site is available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week and requires a simple one-time registration.
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Services Available with Basic or Supplemental Life Plans
E. Grief Counseling
5
MetLife’s grief counseling service provided at no extra charge on MetLife’s Group Basic and
Supplemental Life Insurance, provides employees, their dependents and beneficiaries with
counseling from a network of licensed counselors to help them cope with grief following
the death of a loved one or a major life change such as divorce, loss of employment, or
financial hardship. The service provides up to five confidential counseling sessions per e vent
— either face-to-face or by telephone. Also available are concierge services to assist with
your funeral planning needs, such as:
•
Locate funeral homes in your area
•
Obtain funeral cost estimates from providers in your area; compare cost information,
services offered and funeral planning options
•
Identify other service providers such as florists, caterers and hotels
•
Locate back-up care for children or elderly
•
Locate cemetery options, including information on monument types
•
Identify monument and headstone vendors
•
Locate Social Security a nd Veterans Affairs offices
F. MetLife Delivering The Promise
®
(DTP)
6
During a time of loss, MetLife has arranged for third party financial professionals to provide the
beneficiaries of your employees dedicated support, upon request of a beneficiary or family
member. They thoroughly understand the circumstances of beneficiaries and their families and
have the special skills needed to work with them. Delivering the Promise Specialists are ready to
provide assistance with:
•
Completing and filing life insurance claims — including those from other companies
•
Contacting Social Security or Veterans Administration, or other government agencies about
benefits
•
Locating local grief counseling and support resources
G. Total Control Account
®
(TCA)
7
In most states, the Total Control Account is the standard method used to pay death claims.
Insurance proceeds are paid to the beneficiary via the TCA, which is an interest bearing
account with draft writing privileges that provides full access to the insurance proceeds.
Bereavement can be a difficult, emotional and stressful time. Beneficiaries often feel
overwhelmed by pressing decisions related to the loss of their loved ones. TCA death claim
payments relieve beneficiaries of the need to make immediate decisions about what to do with a
lump-sum check, and enable them to have the flexibility to access funds as needed, while earning
a guaranteed minimum interest rate on the proceeds, as they assess their financial situation.
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VII. The MetLife Death Claim Process
MetLife realizes beneficiaries are going through a difficult, emotional and potentially confusing
time. To assist the beneficiaries, of our Group Life customers MetLife has created a website to
file a Death Claim as an alternate option to the traditional paper process and a settlement opt ion
called the Total Control Account (TCA).
When the death is reported to the employer by a family member, attorney, funeral home or
other source, the employer checks t he employee’s records to ascert ain whet her a Group Life
benefit may be payable. The Employer or third part y that maintains t he insur ed’s enrollment
and beneficiary designation forms will report to MetLife if it is determined that a benefit may
be payable. The employer will begin the process by completing the information on the
Employer’s Statement, and will send the Claimant’s Statement to the latest designated
beneficiary that is listed in their records.
The Employer Statement submitter will request that the beneficiary complete the Claimant’s
Statement, and return it along with a certified death certificate. When the submitter receives
the completed Claimant’s Statement and certified death certificate from the beneficiary, t hey
review the documentation to make sure that it all is in order. This documentation is then
forwarded to the MetLife Group Life unit along with the completed Employer’s Statement,
enrollment and latest beneficiary designation f orm.
If the amount of proceeds payable to the beneficiary is $5,000 or more, a Total Control
Account will usually be established in the beneficiary’s name once the claim is approved.
The beneficiary will receive a personalized “draft book” and a kit that includes a Cu s t omer
Agreement that provides additional information regarding the Total Control Account. By
using one of the personalized drafts, the beneficiary can draw a draft on their Total
Control Account for the entire a mount at any time. Information regarding the other
settlement options available will also be provided.
While a beneficiary’s death claim proceeds are in a Total Control Account, the proceeds are
gua r anteed by Met Lif e. The beneficiary can a ccess a ll or pa rt of the insura nce pr oceeds a t any
time, simply by writing a draft (minimum $250). There is no charge for additional drafts, there are
no tra nsaction or monthly fees, a nd no penalties for withdrawing all or part of the funds in the TCA.
All guarantees are subject to the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company, which has been delivering on its promises since 1868.
We hope that the Total Control Account will help beneficiaries rest a little easier know ing that
their money is guaranteed, earning interest at rates that are set with reference to objective,
third-party indices of money market rates, and accessible when needed, giving them time to
make financial decisions that are right for t hem.
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VIII. Additional Resources
(1) American Association of Retired Persons (AARP),
www.aarp.org
(2) Planning a funeral? Know your rights,
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/planning-funeral-know-your-rights
(3) Internal Revenue Service,
www.irs.gov
(4) National Center for Health Statistics,
www.cdc.gov/nchs,
1-800-232-4636
(5) Social Security Administration,
www.ssa.gov,
1-800-772-1213
(6)
U.S. Departm en t of Veteran s Affairs,
www.va.gov,
1-800-827-1000
(7) Beneficiary Assistance,
www.metlife.com/insurance/life-insurance/beneficiary-assistance/
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1. Will Preparation is offered by MetLife Legal Plans, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. In certain states, legal services benefits are provided through insurance
coverage underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Warwick, Rhode Island. For New York sitused or principally located cases, the
Will Preparation service is an expanded offering that includes office consultations and telephone advice for certain other legal matters beyond Will
Preparation. Tax Planning and preparation of Living Trusts are not covered by the Will Preparation Service.
2. "Digital Estate Planning is not available for customers sitused in FL or located in GU, PR and VI. It is not included with dependent life coverages or certain GUL/
GVUL policies. Domestic Partnerships are not currently supported however members in a domestic partnership may use a MetLife Legal Plans attorney for their
planning needs. Online Notary is not available in all states. Group legal plans are provided by MetLife Legal Plans, Inc., Cleveland, OH. In certain states, group
legal plans are provided through insurance coverage underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Warwick, RI."
3. Estate Resolution Services are offered by MetLife Legal Plans, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. In certain states, legal services benefits are provided through insurance
coverage underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Warwick, Rhode Island. Certain services are not covered by Estate Resolution Services,
including matters in which there is a conflict of interest between the executor and any beneficiary or heir and the estate; any disputes with the group
policyholder, MetLife and/or any of its affiliates; any disputes involving statutory benefits; will contests or litigation outside probate court; appeals; court
costs, filing fees, recording fees, transcripts, witness fees, expenses to a third party, judgments or fines; and frivolous or unethical matters.
4. WillsCenter.com is a document service provided by SmartLegalForms, Inc., an affiliate of Epoq Group, Ltd. SmartLegalForms, Inc. is not affiliated with
MetLife and the WillsCenter.com service is separate and apart from any insurance or service provided by MetLife. The WillsCenter.com service does not
provide access to an attorney, does not provide legal advice, and may not be suitable for your specific needs. Please consult with your financial, legal, and
tax advisors for advice with respect to such matters. WillsCenter.com is available to anyone regardless of affiliation with MetLife.
5. Grief Counseling and Funeral Assistance services are available in all states but New York. Beneficiary Grief Counseling services are available in New York. Both are
provided through an agreement with LifeWorks. US Inc. LifeWorks is not an affiliate of MetLife, and the services LifeWorks provides are separate and apart from the
insurance provided by MetLife. LifeWorks has a nationwide network of over 30,000 counselors. Counselors have master’s or doctoral degrees and are licensed
professionals. The Grief Counseling program is available to insureds, their dependents and beneficiaries who have received a serious medical diagnosis or suffered a loss.
This program does not provide support for issues such as: domestic issues, parenting issues, or marital/relationship issues (other than a finalized divorce). For such issues,
members should inquire with their human resources department about available company resources. Beneficiary Grief Counseling is available only to beneficiaries of
MetLife group Life Insurance programs. Events that may result in a loss are not covered under either program unless and until such loss has occurred. Services are not
available in all jurisdictions and are subject to regulatory approval. Not available on all policy forms
6. MetLife administers the Delivering the Promise program, and has arranged to have specially trained third party financial professionals to offer financial education. The
financial professionals providing financial education are not affiliated with MetLife but are providing the program under a service provider contract.
7. Subject to state law, and/or group policyholder direction, the Total Control Account is provided for all Life and AD&D benefits of $5,000 or more. The
assets backing the Total Control Account (TCA) are maintained in the general account of MetLife or the Issuing Insurance Company. These general
accounts are subject to the creditors of MetLife or the respective Issuing Insurance Company. MetLife or the Issuing Insurance Company bears the
investment experience of such assets and expects to earn income sufficient to pay interest to TCA Accountholders and to make a profit on the operation of
the TCAs. Regardless of the investment experience of such assets, the effective annual rate on the Account will not be less than the rate guaranteed on the
welcome guide. The TCA and other available settlement options are not bank products and are not insured by the FDIC or any other governmental agency.
In addition, while the funds in your account are not insured by the FDIC, they are guaranteed by each state’s insurance guarantee association. The coverage
limits vary by state. Please contact the National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations (www.NOLHGA.com or 703-481-5206) to
learn more. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE.
metlife.com
Nothing in these materials is intended to be advice for a particular situation or individual. Please consult with your own advisors for such advice.
Like most group insurance policies, insurance policies offered by MetLife contain certain exclusions, exceptions, waiting periods, reductions,
limitations and terms for keeping them in force. Please contact your benefits administrator or MetLife for costs and complete details. Please
contact us at 1-800-GET-MET8 for costs and complete details.
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company | 200 Park Avenue | New York, NY 10166
1505-69805 CS 1900031547 L0323030425[exp0325][xNY] © 2023MetLife Services and Solutions, LLC
Form No. 165-02067-01-0323 DOW
