Overview
Equitable (formerly AXA Equitable) is a major financial services company providing life insurance, annuities, and investment products to millions of Americans. When a policyholder or account holder passes away, the beneficiary or estate representative must notify Equitable to initiate the claim process for life insurance benefits or transfer investment assets.
This guide covers Equitable's death claim process, including specific contact numbers for life insurance and annuities, required forms, and what to expect regarding timelines. Equitable operates nationally, so state-specific probate requirements may apply depending on where the decedent lived and the type of assets held.
Equitable offers an online "Start a Claim" portal to streamline the notification process.
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 Equitable and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Equitable of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Equitable, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Policy or Account numbers (if known)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Contact the Appropriate Department
Equitable has specific phone numbers depending on the product type. If you are unsure, start with the Life Insurance line.
- Life Insurance Claims: (800) 777-6510
- Annuity Claims: (800) 789-7771
- EQUI-VEST Claims: (800) 628-6673
- Equitable Advisors (Brokerage): (866) 487-7484
Hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Fri 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM ET
You can also initiate a claim online via the Equitable Start a Claim page.
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity and policy status
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s)
- Provide a claim number or reference number
- Explain which documents are needed (typically a "Claim for Death Benefits" form)
- Send you a claim packet via mail or email
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the completed forms and death certificate to Equitable's processing center.
Regular Mail:
Equitable
PO Box 1047
Charlotte, NC 28201-1047
Overnight / Express Mail:
Equitable National Operations Center
8501 IBM Drive, Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28262-4333
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Equitable receives your documents, expect:
- Online/Mobile submissions: Processed in approximately 5–10 business days
- Mail submissions: Processed in approximately 7–14 business days (plus mailing time)
Step 5: Receive Funds
Once the claim is approved, funds are distributed according to the beneficiary's instructions (e.g., check, electronic funds transfer, or a retained asset account).
Required Documents
Documents Equitable Requires
The exact documents depend on the policy type and beneficiary designation.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Original certified copy required |
| Claim for Death Benefits | Also known as the Claimant's Statement (provided by Equitable) |
| Original Policy | If available (not always mandatory if lost) |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Required if the estate is the beneficiary |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | For the estate, if opening an estate account |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court if the estate is the beneficiary |
Trust Accounts / Trust Beneficiaries
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification | Verifying the trust's existence and trustee's authority |
| Trustee ID | Government-issued photo ID of the trustee |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small estate affidavit | May be accepted for smaller annuity/brokerage balances if no beneficiary is named (state-specific) |
Account Types
How Equitable Handles Different Account Types
Life Insurance Policies
Beneficiaries must file a Claim for Death Benefits. If the beneficiary is a named individual, probate is generally not required. If the beneficiary is "The Estate," the executor must provide court appointments.
Timeline: 5–10 business days (online) or 7–14 business days (mail)
Annuities
Named beneficiaries can choose to receive a lump sum, continue the annuity (spousal continuation), or take distributions over time. A death certificate and claim form are required.
Timeline: 7–14 business days
Equitable Advisors (Brokerage Accounts)
For investment accounts held through Equitable Advisors, the process involves transferring assets to the beneficiary or estate. If a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary is named, assets transfer directly. Otherwise, probate documents (Letters Testamentary) are usually required.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks
EQUI-VEST Accounts
These are variable annuity products often used in retirement plans. Beneficiaries must contact the specific EQUI-VEST line ((800) 628-6673) to discuss distribution options and tax implications.
Timeline: 7–14 business days
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Equitable Process
Equitable operates nationally, but probate and insurance laws are governed by state law. Your state determines:
- Interest on death benefits — some states require insurers to pay interest from the date of death
- Small estate thresholds — estates below certain values can skip formal probate
- Community property rules — in states like AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, and WI, spouses may have rights to policies even if not named
- Timeliness of claims — states often mandate how quickly insurers must pay clean claims
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $184,500 | Yes | Interest payable from date of death |
| New York | $50,000 | No | Strict timelines for claim payment |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Affidavit of Heirship often used |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Equitable Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Life Insurance (Clean Claim) | 5–10 business days | Online submission is faster |
| Life Insurance (Mail) | 7–14 business days | Plus mailing time |
| Annuity Death Claim | 7–14 business days | Depends on distribution option selected |
| Brokerage (TOD) | 2–3 weeks | Requires new account setup |
| Estate Claim (Probate) | 3–6+ months | Depends on court issuing Letters Testamentary |
Note: Claims within the 2-year contestability period (if the policy was less than 2 years old) may take significantly longer to investigate.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Check for Multiple Policies
Equitable has acquired other companies over the years (e.g., MONY Life Insurance). Ask the agent to search for all policies linked to the decedent's Social Security number.
Do Not Spend Insurance Proceeds Immediately
If you are the beneficiary, the money is yours, but ensure you understand any tax implications (especially for annuities, which may have taxable gains) before spending. Life insurance death benefits are generally income-tax-free.
Use the Online Portal
Submitting documents via Equitable's online portal is significantly faster than regular mail and provides a digital record of your submission.
Keep the Claim Number Handy
You will be assigned a claim or case number during your first call. Write this down and include it on every document you mail or upload.
Contestability Period
If the policy was issued less than two years ago, Equitable may investigate the medical history of the decedent. This is standard procedure but can delay payment by several months.