Learn how to claim life insurance.
Video Duration: 2 minutes 30 seconds
What you need to know about life insurance claims: Elapsed time 0 seconds [0:00]
We know this must be a difficult time for you and your family. We're here to support you through the steps needed to receive what your loved one provided for you.
You should have a packet of information and forms sent to you by USAA that shares information about your claim and how to move forward. If you don't have this, please call USAA at 800-531-8455.
In your packet, the Contract Information Sheet gives you the contract details including taxable amounts as well as payout options. You use this info to help you complete the forms in the packet.
Claimant statement: Elapsed time 38 seconds [0:38]
The first section of the Claimant Statement gathers important info about you and the claim. Be sure you complete and sign the form. The claim requires your signature.
Substitute W-9 form: Elapsed time 48 seconds [0:48]
The next section of the Claimant Statement holds the Substitute W-9 form. The IRS requires that you sign and date this for us to pay the claim. If the beneficiary is a trust, you must fill out the Certification of Trust section, too
Fraud warnings: Elapsed time 01 minute 3 seconds [1:03]
The rest of the pages on this form contain fraud warnings. You can check if there are warnings for your state.
Life insurance settlement request form: Elapsed time 1 minute 10 seconds [1:10]
The Life Insurance Settlement Request form tells us how to pay the claim. We can pay by paper check or bank wire. If you choose a paper check, then you don't need to give us bank information.
If you choose a bank wire, there may be a $20 wire fee.
Contract information sheet: Elapsed time 1 minute 25 seconds [1:25]
The government doesn't tax life insurance coverage, but it does tax the interest. You can find this info on the Contract Information Sheet.
Get your claim done online: Elapsed time 1 minute 34 seconds [1:34]
You can get your claim done faster if you send us your forms online at usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App. When you log on to usaa.com, select your initials, select “Inbox,” select “Send Documents to USAA,” then select “Life insurance/Health/Annuities.” On the mobile app, select your initials, then select “Send Documents to USAA.”
Good order review: Elapsed time 2 minutes 0 seconds [2:00]
When we receive your paperwork, we confirm the forms are complete and match information we have. We call this a good order review. If we need more info, we'll contact you. Otherwise, please allow up to 10 business days for us to work on your claim.
Call us today: Elapsed time 2 minutes 17 seconds [2:17]
Finally, we want to help make this as quick and easy for you as we can. For any question or concern, call us at 800-531-8455.
End: Elapsed time 2 minutes 30 seconds [2:30]
Life insurance claims FAQ
In most cases, beneficiaries don't pay taxes on the base life insurance proceeds they receive. But interest earned on those proceeds is taxable, and the beneficiaries would be responsible for that. Read about other examples of when proceeds may be taxable.
The options vary depending on the type of claim. There’s a claim settlement request form included in your packet. It shows your options and asks you to choose how you want to get paid.
Life insurance: You can choose a paper check or bank wire. There may be a $20 fee for domestic wire transfers.
Immediate annuities: You can continue to receive payouts or take a lump sum. If you choose to continue payouts, you can pick electronic funds transfer (EFT) or paper check. You can’t change your mind after you make this decision, so choose carefully.
For lump sums, you can choose a paper check or bank wire. There may be a $20 fee for domestic wire transfers.
Deferred annuities: For individuals, your options are lump sum, deferral or annuitization, which spreads the tax liability over several years along with payouts. You’ll need to submit all the requirements 45 days before the one-year anniversary of the annuity owner’s death.
For trusts or estates, options include lump sum or deferral.
For lump sums, you can choose a paper check or bank wire. There may be a $20 fee for domestic wire transfers.
Request a claim information packet.
Call us to have a claim information packet sent to you that includes forms you need and next steps.
For TTY devices, dial 711
Hours of operation for USAA Life Insurance Company
Note: Days and times may vary.
