Overview
Athene Annuity and Life Company is a leading provider of retirement savings products, specifically fixed and fixed indexed annuities. When an annuity contract holder or annuitant passes away, the beneficiary or estate representative must notify Athene to initiate the death benefit claim process.
This guide covers Athene's dedicated claim services, the step-by-step notification process, required documents for different beneficiary types, and realistic timelines for receiving funds. Athene operates nationally, but specific subsidiaries (like Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York) may handle policies in certain states.
Athene offers a streamlined online notification process known as "Start a Death Benefit Claim," which is often faster than calling.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with Athene and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Athene of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Athene, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number (last 4 digits often suffice for initial lookup)
- Contract/Policy numbers (if known)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- Beneficiary information (if you are not the sole beneficiary)
Step 2: Initiate the Claim
You can notify Athene through their online portal or by phone.
Option A: Online (Recommended)
Go to Athene's Start a Claim page and complete the "Start a Death Benefit Claim" form. This takes about 5 minutes.
Option B: Call Claim Services
- Phone: (888) 266-8489 (Say "Claims" or "Death Notification")
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
When you reach an agent or submit the form, Athene will:
- Verify the decedent's identity and policy status
- Identify the named beneficiaries
- Initiate the verification process (takes 5–7 business days)
Step 3: Receive and Complete the Claim Packet
After verification, Athene will mail a Claim Packet to each beneficiary. This packet includes:
- Claim forms specific to the contract type (Qualified vs. Non-Qualified)
- Benefit amount letter
- Settlement options (Lump sum, spousal continuation, etc.)
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Complete the forms in the packet and gather the death certificate. You can submit these via:
- Mail: Athene, P.O. Box 1555, Des Moines, IA 50306-1555
- Overnight: Athene, 7700 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
- Fax: (866) 709-3922
- Email: (Check your claim packet for a secure upload link or specific email address)
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Once Athene receives your "Good Order" (complete) paperwork:
- Processing time: Typically 8–10 business days
- Payment: Funds are released via check or EFT depending on your selection
Required Documents
Documents Athene Requires
The exact documents depend on the beneficiary type (individual, trust, or estate) and the type of annuity (Qualified IRA vs. Non-Qualified).
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | One certified copy is usually sufficient for the file |
| Claimant's Statement | Included in the claim packet mailed to you |
| Government-issued photo ID | Copy of driver's license or passport |
Individual Beneficiaries
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Beneficiary Claim Form | Specific to Qualified (IRA) or Non-Qualified contracts |
| W-9 Form | For tax reporting purposes |
Trust Beneficiaries
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Beneficiary Claim Form | Included in the Trust Claim Kit |
| Trust Verification Form | Confirms the trust's existence and trustees |
| Trust Abstract or Certification | Pertinent pages of the trust document |
Estate Beneficiaries (No Named Beneficiary)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Estate Beneficiary Claim Form | Included in the Estate Claim Kit |
| Letters Testamentary / Administration | Court-certified appointment of the executor |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | For the estate |
Spousal Beneficiaries
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Spousal Continuation Form | If electing to continue the contract in your name |
| Marriage Certificate | May be requested if names do not match |
Account Types
How Athene Handles Different Account Types
Annuities with Named Beneficiaries
Annuities bypass probate when a beneficiary is named. The death benefit is paid directly to the named individual(s).
- Lump Sum: Full payout (taxable earnings apply).
- Spousal Continuation: Surviving spouse can often continue the contract tax-deferred.
- 5-Year Deferral / Life Expectancy: Options vary by contract and SECURE Act rules.
Timeline: {8–10 business days after paperwork received}
Annuities with No Beneficiary (Estate is Beneficiary)
If no beneficiary is named, or the beneficiary predeceased the owner, the annuity becomes part of the probate estate. The executor must provide Letters Testamentary to claim funds.
Timeline: {3–6+ months (depends on probate process)}
Trust-Owned Annuities
If the annuity is owned by a trust or the trust is the beneficiary, the successor trustee handles the claim. Trust Verification forms are required.
Timeline: {10–15 business days}
Qualified Annuities (IRA/401k Rollovers)
Subject to IRS Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules. Beneficiaries must choose a payout option that complies with the SECURE Act (often a 10-year payout rule for non-spouses).
Timeline: {8–10 business days after paperwork received}
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Athene Process
Athene is domiciled in Iowa, but your state's laws impact the process.
- New York Residents: Policies are often issued by Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York. Forms may differ slightly (look for "NY" codes on forms).
- Community Property States: In states like CA, TX, AZ, and WA, a spouse may have a claim to 50% of the annuity value even if not named as the beneficiary. Athene may require spousal consent for certain payouts.
- State Tax Withholding: Athene is required to withhold state income tax from death benefit payments in certain states unless you elect otherwise (if allowed).
Key State Variations
| State | Entity | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Co. of NY | Specific Regulation 60 forms; stricter replacement rules |
| California | Athene Annuity and Life Company | Community property interest may require spousal signature |
| Iowa | Athene Annuity and Life Company | Home office state; standard processing |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Athene Takes to Release Funds
| Stage | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Verification | {5–7 business days} | Verifying death and identifying beneficiaries |
| Packet Delivery | {3–5 business days} | Time for mail to reach you |
| Claim Processing | {8–10 business days} | Starts once all documents are received in good order |
| Total Time | {3–5 weeks} | Can be faster if forms are faxed/emailed |
Note: Missing pages, lack of witness signatures, or unclear instructions will pause the clock and require a new mail cycle.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Guess on Tax Forms
Annuity death benefits often have taxable components (the gain). Choosing the wrong withholding option can lead to a surprise tax bill. Consult a tax professional before selecting your payout option.
"Good Order" is Critical
Athene (like all insurers) requires forms to be "in good order" (IGO). This means:
- No cross-outs or white-out
- All signatures must be witnessed if required
- Dates must be current
- All pages of the form must be returned, even if blank
Check for Multiple Contracts
The deceased may have had multiple annuities. Ask the representative to search by Social Security Number to ensure all contracts are identified.
Spousal Continuation vs. Lump Sum
If you are a spouse, "Spousal Continuation" is often the most tax-efficient option, allowing the annuity to grow tax-deferred as if it were your own. Taking a lump sum triggers immediate income tax on the gains.
Keep the Case Number
Athene will assign a case or claim number during the initial call. Write this down and include it on all correspondence to speed up processing.