Overview
Securian Financial is a major provider of insurance, investment, and retirement solutions, often issuing policies under the names Minnesota Life Insurance Company or Securian Life Insurance Company. When a policyholder passes away, the beneficiary or estate representative must notify Securian to initiate the claim process.
This guide covers Securian's estate services, including the specific steps for individual life insurance and annuities, as well as group benefits provided through employers.
Note on Retirement Accounts: In 2022, Securian sold its retirement plan recordkeeping business (401(k) plans) to The Standard. If the deceased held an employer-sponsored retirement plan originally with Securian, you may need to contact The Standard. However, Securian continues to service individual annuities and life insurance policies directly.
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 Securian Financial and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Securian Financial of a Death
The process differs slightly depending on whether the policy is an individual policy (purchased directly or through an advisor) or a group policy (provided by an employer).
Step 1: Determine the Policy Type
Check the deceased's records for policy statements.
- Individual Life/Annuities: Call (800) 641-4611
- Group/Employer Plans: Call (800) 328-9442 or visit Securian Benefits
Step 2: Gather Initial Information
Before calling, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Policy numbers (if known)
- Social Security number of the decedent
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- Beneficiary information (if you are the beneficiary)
Step 3: Call the Claims Department
Contact the appropriate department:
- Individual Claims: (800) 641-4611 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM CT)
- Group Claims: (800) 328-9442 (Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM CT)
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the policy details.
- Initiate the claim process.
- Send you a Claim Packet (Beneficiary Statement) via mail or email.
- Provide a claim reference number.
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Complete the forms provided in the claim packet and mail them along with the death certificate to:
Regular Mail:
Securian Financial
Individual Claims
PO Box 64114
St. Paul, MN 55164-0114
Overnight/Express Mail:
Securian Financial
400 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55101
Step 5: Wait for Processing
After Securian receives your documents, processing typically takes:
- Standard Claims: 5–10 business days
- Complex Claims: 30+ days (if contesting or investigation is required)
You will receive a check or a Securian Access Account (a retained asset account) depending on the benefit amount.
Required Documents
Documents Securian Financial Requires
Life Insurance & Annuity Claims
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified Death Certificate | Original certified copy with a raised seal |
| Beneficiary Statement | Claim form provided by Securian (Form varies by policy) |
| Policy Document | If available (not strictly required if lost) |
| Photo ID | Copy of the beneficiary's government-issued ID |
If the Estate is the Beneficiary
If no individual beneficiary is named, or the estate is the named beneficiary:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified Death Certificate | Original certified copy |
| Letters Testamentary | Court-issued document appointing the Executor (certified copy) |
| Letters of Administration | Court-issued document appointing the Administrator (if no will) |
| Estate EIN | Tax ID number for the estate |
| Estate Claim Form | Completed by the Executor/Administrator |
Trust Accounts
If a Trust is the beneficiary:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification | Or pages of the Trust Agreement naming the Trustee |
| Trustee Statement | Form provided by Securian |
| Trust Tax ID | EIN for the Trust |
Account Types
How Securian Handles Different Account Types
Individual Life Insurance
Beneficiaries must file a claim to receive the death benefit. If the policy is less than two years old (contestability period), Securian may require medical records or additional investigation.
Timeline: 10–15 business days after receipt of all documents.
Annuities (Individual)
Annuities may have a death benefit or spousal continuation option.
- Spouse: Can often continue the contract tax-deferred.
- Non-Spouse: Must take a lump sum or distributions (usually within 10 years).
Timeline: 10–15 business days.
Group Life Insurance (Employer Plans)
Claims are often initiated through the employer's HR department or directly via the Securian Benefit Service Center. The employer may need to certify the employee's status.
Timeline: 5–10 business days.
Retirement Plans (401k)
Important: Securian sold its retirement recordkeeping business to The Standard in 2022. If the deceased had a 401(k) with Securian, contact The Standard for claim instructions.
Timeline: Varies by The Standard's procedures.
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Securian Process
Securian operates nationally, but state laws impact the claims process:
- Interest on Claims: Many states require insurers to pay interest on the death benefit from the date of death until payment.
- Contestability: State laws govern the 2-year contestability period for life insurance.
- Small Estate Affidavits: If the estate is the beneficiary and the value is small, you may be able to use a state-specific Small Estate Affidavit instead of full probate.
Key State Variations
| State | Interest Required? | Small Estate Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | $184,500 |
| New York | Yes | $50,000 |
| Texas | Yes | $75,000 (excluding homestead) |
| Florida | Yes | $75,000 |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Securian Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Life Insurance (Clean Claim) | 5–10 business days | After all documents received |
| Life Insurance (Contestable) | 30–60+ days | Policy < 2 years old |
| Annuity Death Benefit | 10–15 business days | Depends on distribution choice |
| Group Life | 5–10 business days | Employer verification may add time |
| Estate as Beneficiary | 3–6+ weeks | Requires court appointment documents |
Note: "Business days" refers to the time after Securian acknowledges receipt of all required forms.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Check for Multiple Policies
The deceased may have had both an individual policy and a group policy through work. Check pay stubs for deductions labeled "Securian" or "MN Life".
Do Not Close the Account Too Early
For annuities, do not attempt to close or transfer the account before contacting the estate department. This can trigger unintended tax consequences.
The "Securian Access Account"
For large settlements (> $15,000), Securian may send a checkbook linked to an interest-bearing account rather than a single check. You can write one check for the full balance to move it to your own bank, or leave it there to earn interest.
Contestability Period
If the policy was purchased within 2 years of the death, Securian will investigate the medical history to ensure no fraud occurred on the application. This is standard industry practice.
Keep the Reference Number
Write down the claim reference number provided during your first call. You will need it for all future correspondence.