Overview
Mutual of Omaha is a Fortune 500 mutual insurance and financial services company based in Omaha, Nebraska. While they previously operated a bank (sold in 2020), they are primarily known for life insurance, Medicare supplement insurance, and annuities. When a policyholder passes away, the beneficiary or estate representative must notify Mutual of Omaha to initiate the claim process.
This guide covers Mutual of Omaha's life insurance and annuity claim processes, including the dedicated claims line, required documentation, and what to expect regarding timelines.
Note: Mutual of Omaha Bank was acquired by CIT Group in January 2020. CIT Group subsequently merged with First Citizens BancShares in January 2022. If the decedent held a banking account with "Mutual of Omaha Bank," you will likely need to contact First Citizens Bank instead. This guide focuses on insurance and annuity products.
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 Mutual of Omaha and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Mutual of Omaha of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Mutual of Omaha, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Policy numbers (if known — check recent statements or premium bills)
- Social Security number
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- Beneficiary information (if you are the named beneficiary)
Step 2: Initiate the Claim
You can start the process online or by phone.
Option A: Online Notification (Recommended)
Go to the Mutual of Omaha Claims Page and complete the "Start the Claims Process" form. A claims specialist will review the information and contact you.
Option B: Call the Claims Department
Contact the Life Insurance Claims team directly:
- Phone: (888) 493-6902
Note: For Long-Term Care (LTC) claims, call (800) 775-6000.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Once the claim is initiated, Mutual of Omaha will send a claim packet (via mail or email) or provide instructions on what to submit. Typically, you will need to mail:
- A completed Proof of Death Claim Form
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- The original policy (if required, though often not necessary)
Mail to:
Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance Claims
3300 Mutual of Omaha Plaza
Omaha, NE 68175
Step 4: Processing and Payout
Mutual of Omaha is known for relatively fast processing.
- Simple claims: Often paid within 24 hours of receiving all required documents.
- Complex claims: May take longer if the policy is within the contestability period (usually the first 2 years) or if the cause of death requires investigation (e.g., accidental death policies).
Required Documents
Documents Mutual of Omaha Requires
The specific documents depend on the policy type and the beneficiary designation.
Standard Life Insurance / Annuity Claim
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Must be an original certified copy with a raised seal |
| Proof of Death Claim Form | Provided by Mutual of Omaha after notification |
| Policy Document | The original policy contract (if available; if lost, check the "lost policy" box on the claim form) |
If the Beneficiary is the Estate
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary / Administration | Court-issued documents appointing the executor/administrator |
| EIN (Tax ID) | For the estate (required for interest reporting) |
If the Beneficiary is a Trust
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification | Verifying the trust's existence and the trustee's authority |
| Trustee ID | Government-issued photo ID of the trustee |
Accidental Death Claims
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Police / Accident Report | Required to verify the cause of death was accidental |
| Coroner's Report / Autopsy | May be requested for specific causes of death |
Account Types
How Mutual of Omaha Handles Different Policy Types
Life Insurance (Term & Whole Life)
Named beneficiaries file a claim directly. If the beneficiary is a specific person, the funds bypass probate and are paid directly to them.
- Payout Options: Lump sum check, direct deposit, or a retained asset account (an interest-bearing account for the beneficiary).
- Timeline: Simple claims are often paid within 24 hours to 5 business days after documents are received.
Annuities
If the annuity has a death benefit, it passes to the named beneficiary.
- Spousal Beneficiaries: Often have the option to continue the contract (spousal continuation) or take a lump sum.
- Non-Spousal Beneficiaries: Must typically take a lump sum or distribute the funds within 5-10 years (tax implications apply).
Accidental Death Insurance
These policies only pay out if the death was the direct result of a covered accident.
- Investigation: Mutual of Omaha will require police reports and medical records to confirm the cause of death.
- Timeline: Processing takes longer (30–60 days) due to the verification process.
Medicare Supplement
If the decedent had a Medicare Supplement policy, notify the Customer Service department at (800) 775-6000 to cancel the policy and stop premium payments. Any unearned premium (paid in advance) will be refunded to the estate or surviving spouse.
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Mutual of Omaha Process
Mutual of Omaha operates in all 50 states. While the claim process is standardized, state laws affect:
- Interest on Death Benefits: Many states require insurers to pay interest on the death benefit from the date of death until the date of payment.
- Contestability Period: Usually 2 years. If the death occurs within 2 years of the policy start date, the company can investigate the application for material misrepresentations.
- Slayer Statutes: State laws prevent a beneficiary from collecting if they were responsible for the insured's death.
Key State Variations
| State | Interest Requirement | Contestability |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Interest from date of death | 2 Years |
| California | Interest from date of death | 2 Years |
| Florida | Interest from date of death | 2 Years |
| Texas | Interest from date of death | 2 Years |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Mutual of Omaha Takes to Release Funds
Mutual of Omaha is known for efficient claims processing, often faster than industry averages for clear-cut cases.
| Policy Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Life Insurance (Standard) | 1–5 business days | After receiving death certificate & claim form |
| Life Insurance (Contestable) | 1–3 months | If death is within 2 years of policy issue |
| Accidental Death | 30–60 days | Requires accident/police report review |
| Annuity Death Benefit | 5–10 business days | Depends on distribution option selected |
| Estate as Beneficiary | 2–4 weeks | Requires court appointment documents |
Note: "United of Omaha Life Insurance Company pays most claims within 24 hours" is a target for clean, electronic claims with all documentation on file.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Check for Multiple Policies
Mutual of Omaha offers various products (Life, Accident, Annuity, LTC). Ask the representative to search for all policies linked to the decedent's Social Security number to ensure nothing is missed.
Do Not Cancel Policies Immediately
Do not stop paying premiums until you have officially notified the company. If a policy lapses right before a claim is filed, it can complicate the payout. Premiums paid after the date of death are generally refunded with the death benefit.
The "Contestability Period"
If the policy was purchased less than 2 years ago, expect a delay. The company will review the original medical application to ensure no health conditions were omitted. This is standard industry practice, not a denial.
Interest on Payouts
Check if your state requires interest to be paid on the death benefit. This can add a significant amount to the final check if there was a delay in filing.
Lost Policy?
You do not strictly need the physical policy document to file a claim. If you cannot find it, simply indicate "Policy Lost" on the claim form.