How to Handle Globe Life Policies After a Death: 2026 Guide

Overview

Globe Life is one of the largest providers of life and supplemental health insurance in the United States, serving millions of policyholders through its subsidiaries like Globe Life And Accident, American Income Life, and Liberty National. When a policyholder passes away, the beneficiary or estate representative must file a claim to receive the death benefit.

This guide covers the process for Globe Life And Accident Insurance Company and its affiliates. Unlike bank accounts, life insurance policies generally bypass probate if a valid beneficiary is named. However, if the estate is the beneficiary, or if no beneficiary is named, probate documents will be required.

You can file a claim online through the eClaims portal, by phone, or by mail.

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 Globe Life and consider consulting a qualified attorney.

Notification Process

How to Notify Globe Life of a Death

Step 1: Gather Policy Information

Before contacting Globe Life, try to locate the policy documents. You will need:

• Policy number(s) (if available)
• Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
• Date of death
• Social Security number
• Cause of death (natural, accidental, etc.)
• Beneficiary information (your details)

Step 2: Initiate the Claim

You can start the claim process in three ways:

1. Online (Fastest): Visit the Globe Life eClaims Portal to upload documents and track status.
2. Phone: Call the Claims Department at (800) 654-5433.

• Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM CT

1. Mail: Send a written notification to request claim forms.

Step 3: Complete the Claimant Statement

Globe Life requires a Proof of Death Claimant Statement. This form asks for:

• Information about the deceased
• Information about the beneficiary
• Payment preferences (lump sum check, interest-bearing account, etc.)

Note: Each named beneficiary must usually complete their own statement.

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Submit the completed forms along with the Certified Death Certificate and any other requested documents (see below).

Mail to:

Globe Life Claims Department

P.O. Box 8076

McKinney, TX 75070

Note: Some subsidiaries (like American Income Life) may use a different PO Box (e.g., in Waco, TX). Check the specific claim form for the exact return address.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Once Globe Life receives all documents:

• Review time: Typically 10–15 business days
• Payment: Checks are usually mailed within 5 days of approval

You can check the status of your claim via the eClaims portal or by calling customer service.

Required Documents

Documents Globe Life Requires

The documents needed depend on the policy type, the cause of death, and the beneficiary status.

Always Required

For Accidental Death Claims

If the Policy is Less Than 2 Years Old (Contestable Period)

If the Estate is the Beneficiary

If the Beneficiary is a Trust

Account Types

How Globe Life Handles Different Policies

Life Insurance (Named Beneficiary)

If a specific person (or people) is named as the beneficiary, the death benefit is paid directly to them. This bypasses probate.

Timeline: {10–15 business days after receipt of documents}

Life Insurance (Estate as Beneficiary)

If the beneficiary is listed as "The Estate of..." or if no valid beneficiary is alive, the proceeds become part of the probate estate. You must provide Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.

Timeline: {Depends on probate process; 3–6+ months}

Accidental Death Policies

These policies only pay if the death was caused by a covered accident. Globe Life will require a police report and potentially an autopsy report.

Timeline: {30–60 days (requires additional investigation)}

Annuities

If the deceased had an annuity, the process is similar to life insurance. The named beneficiary files a claim. Spousal beneficiaries may have the option to continue the contract.

Timeline: {15–30 business days}

Children's Policies

If the policy was for a child, the parent/owner is typically the beneficiary. If the owner (parent) died but the insured (child) is alive, ownership must be transferred to a successor owner (usually via a specific form and proof of death).

Timeline: {10–20 business days for ownership transfer}

State Considerations

How Your State Affects the Globe Life Process

Globe Life operates nationally, but state laws impact claims:

• Interest on Claims: Many states (like IL, NY, CA) require insurers to pay interest on the death benefit from the date of death until payment.
• Contestability: Most states allow insurers to investigate claims if the death occurs within 2 years of the policy start date (suicide clauses also typically last 2 years).
• Small Estate Affidavits: If the estate is the beneficiary and the value is low, you may be able to use a state-specific Small Estate Affidavit instead of full probate.

Key State Variations

For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.

Timelines

How Long Globe Life Takes to Release Funds

Note: Timelines start once Globe Life receives all required documents, not from the date of death.

Tips & Pitfalls

Common Pitfalls and Tips

Check for Multiple Policies

Globe Life often sells supplemental policies. The deceased might have a small whole life policy and an accidental death policy. Ask the representative to search for all policies linked to the Social Security number.

The "Contestability Period"

If the policy was purchased less than 2 years ago, Globe Life has the right to investigate the medical history to ensure no fraud occurred on the application. This will delay payment.

Do Not Close the Bank Account Too Soon

If you request a direct deposit (if available) or deposit a check made out to the estate, you will need an open bank account.

Keep the Obituary Handy

Globe Life frequently asks for a copy of the published obituary or funeral program as secondary proof of death.

Certified Copies

Always send a certified death certificate (with the raised seal). Photocopies are generally not accepted for the primary claim.

Policy Loans

If the deceased took out a loan against the cash value of a whole life policy, the outstanding balance will be deducted from the death benefit.