Overview
MetLife is one of the largest global providers of insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs, serving over 90 million customers. When a policyholder passes away, the beneficiary or estate representative must notify MetLife to initiate the claim process for life insurance or annuity benefits.
Important Note on Brighthouse Financial: In 2017, MetLife spun off its U.S. retail life insurance and annuity business to a separate company called Brighthouse Financial. If the deceased held an individual life insurance policy or annuity purchased before 2017, verify whether it is serviced by MetLife or Brighthouse Financial before filing a claim. This guide focuses on policies currently serviced by MetLife (primarily Group Life and employee benefits).
This guide covers MetLife's claim process, required documents, and realistic timelines.
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 MetLife and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify MetLife of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting MetLife, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Policy number (if known — check recent statements or employer benefits portal)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Initiate the Claim
You can start the claim process online or by phone.
Option A: Online (Fastest)
Visit the MetLife Life Claims Portal to search for the policy and start a claim.
Option B: Call Life Claims
Contact MetLife's life insurance claims team:
- Phone: 1-800-638-5000
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET
Note: For policies provided through an employer (Group Life), you may also need to contact the employer's HR department.
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the policyholder's information
- Confirm if you are a listed beneficiary
- Send you a Claim Kit (via mail or email) containing the necessary forms
- Provide a claim number for tracking
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Complete the claim form included in your kit and mail it along with the death certificate.
Mail to:
MetLife Group Life Claims
P.O. Box 6100
Scranton, PA 18505-6100
Note: Check the specific address listed on your claim form, as some legacy or specific product lines may use a different processing center (e.g., Lexington, KY).
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After MetLife receives your documents, expect:
- Document review: ~5 business days
- Claim decision/payment: ~10 business days (after all documents are in good order)
Step 5: Receive Funds
Once approved, MetLife typically pays out via:
- Check
- Total Control Account (TCA) (an interest-bearing draft account for proceeds over $5,000)
- EFT / Direct Deposit (if selected)
Required Documents
Documents MetLife Requires
The exact documents depend on the policy type and beneficiary designation.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | One certified copy is usually sufficient for all policies held with MetLife |
| Claimant's Statement | The official claim form provided in the Claim Kit |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the beneficiary claiming the funds |
If The Estate is the Beneficiary
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court naming the Executor |
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court (if no will exists) |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | For the estate (required for tax reporting) |
If The Beneficiary is a Trust
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification | Verifying the trust's existence and the trustee's authority |
| Trustee's ID | Government-issued photo ID |
If The Beneficiary is a Minor
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Guardianship Papers | Court documents appointing a guardian for the minor's estate |
Account Types
How MetLife Handles Different Policy Types
Group Life Insurance (Through Employer)
Most MetLife policies are "Group Life" provided as an employee benefit. The employer's HR department often assists with the initial notification, but the beneficiary must file the claim directly with MetLife.
Timeline: {5–10 business days after receipt of docs}
Individual Life Insurance
For policies purchased directly by the individual. Check if the policy is serviced by Brighthouse Financial if purchased before 2017.
Timeline: {10–15 business days}
Annuities
If the decedent had an annuity with a death benefit, the beneficiary will receive a claim packet outlining settlement options (lump sum, continued payments, etc.).
Timeline: {10–20 business days}
Total Control Account (TCA)
If the death benefit is paid into a TCA, the beneficiary receives a "checkbook" to access funds. This is not a bank account but a draft account backed by MetLife.
Timeline: {Immediate access once claim is approved}
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the MetLife Process
MetLife operates nationally, but state laws impact insurance claims:
- Interest on Claims: Many states require insurers to pay interest on the death benefit from the date of death until payment is made.
- Contestability Period: If the policy was less than 2 years old, MetLife may investigate the cause of death (suicide clauses or material misrepresentation) as allowed by state law.
- Slayer Statutes: State laws prevent a beneficiary from collecting if they are criminally responsible for the insured's death.
Key State Variations
| State | Interest Required? | Contestability Period |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Yes | 2 Years |
| California | Yes | 2 Years |
| Texas | Yes | 2 Years |
| Florida | Yes | 2 Years |
For detailed probate and estate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long MetLife Takes to Release Funds
MetLife is generally fast with clean claims.
| Policy Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Life Insurance (Clean Claim) | {5–10 business days} | Beneficiary clearly named, docs in order |
| Life Insurance (Contestable) | {30–60+ days} | Policy <2 years old; medical records review required |
| Estate as Beneficiary | {3–6 months} | Depends on court issuing Letters Testamentary |
| Annuity Death Benefit | {10–20 business days} | Calculation of final value and options |
| Missing Beneficiary Info | {Variable} | Delays until all beneficiaries are located |
Note: MetLife states they typically review claims within 5 business days of receipt.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Check for "Brighthouse Financial" Policies
If you cannot find the policy under MetLife, check Brighthouse Financial. Many older individual MetLife policies were transferred there.
Do Not Close the Deceased's Bank Account Yet
If you request a direct deposit of the insurance proceeds, the receiving account must be open. If the account is frozen, request a check or a Total Control Account (TCA).
Interest is Taxable
While the life insurance death benefit itself is generally income-tax-free, any interest paid by MetLife (from date of death to date of payment) is taxable income. You will receive a Form 1099-INT for the interest portion.
Multiple Beneficiaries
If there are multiple beneficiaries, each must submit their own claim statement. MetLife will not pay out the full amount to one person to "distribute" to others unless that person is the Executor and the Estate is the beneficiary.
Total Control Account (TCA)
MetLife often pays claims over $5,000 by opening a TCA in your name. You can write a check for the full balance immediately to move it to your own bank, or leave it there to earn interest.