Overview
Unum Group is one of the leading providers of workplace financial protection benefits in the United States, specializing in life insurance, disability insurance, and accident coverage. Unlike a traditional bank where you "close" accounts, dealing with Unum after a death typically involves filing a claim to receive insurance proceeds.
When a policyholder passes away, the beneficiary or estate representative must notify Unum to initiate the claim process. Because many Unum policies are employer-sponsored, the decedent's employer (Plan Administrator) often plays a role in verifying coverage.
This guide covers the process for filing life insurance and accidental death claims with Unum, including contact information for "The Benefits Center," required documentation, and timeline expectations.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Insurance policies and procedures change — verify current requirements directly with Unum and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Unum of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Unum, try to locate the policy documents. You will need:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Policy number (if available — check pay stubs if it was an employee benefit)
- Employer name (if the policy was through work)
- Cause of death (relevant for Accidental Death & Dismemberment claims)
Step 2: Initiate the Claim
You can start the claim process online or by phone.
Option A: Online (Fastest)
Visit Unum.com/employees/file-a-claim to log in or register. You can upload documents directly through the portal, which speeds up processing.
Option B: Call The Benefits Center
- Life Insurance & ADD: (800) 445-0402
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 8 PM ET
Note: If the decedent had disability coverage, you may need to contact the Disability department at (866) 779-1054 to stop benefit payments.
Step 3: Submit Required Forms
Unum typically requires a specific claim form based on the policy type. The agent or online portal will provide this, or you can download it from their forms library.
Mail documents to:
The Benefits Center
P.O. Box 100158
Columbia, SC 29202-3158
Or Fax to:
(800) 447-2498
Step 4: Employer Verification
For group policies, Unum will contact the decedent's employer to verify eligibility and coverage amounts. You may need to coordinate with the employer's HR department to ensure they submit their portion of the claim ("Employer Statement").
Step 5: Receive Funds
Once approved, Unum typically pays via:
- Lump sum check (mailed to beneficiary)
- Unum Retained Asset Account (interest-bearing account for large amounts)
- Direct deposit (if selected during online filing)
Required Documents
Documents Unum Requires
Documentation depends on the policy type and the cause of death.
Standard Life Insurance Claim
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Must show cause and manner of death |
| Life Insurance Claim Form | "Beneficiary Statement" section completed by you |
| Employer Statement | Completed by the employer (for group policies) |
| Authorization for Release of Information | Allows Unum to retrieve medical records if needed |
Accidental Death Claim
If claiming Accidental Death & Dismemberment (ADD) benefits, additional proof is required to confirm the death was an accident.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Police / Accident Report | If death was due to a vehicle accident or crime |
| Autopsy / Toxicology Report | Often required to rule out medical causes or intoxication |
| News articles | Sometimes helpful for verifying public accidents |
If the Estate is the Beneficiary
If no beneficiary is named, or the estate is the named beneficiary:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Court-issued proof of your authority as Executor |
| Estate Tax ID (EIN) | Required for payment to an estate |
Trust as Beneficiary
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification | Verifying the trust's existence and trustees |
| Trustee ID | Government-issued ID of the trustee |
Account Types
How Unum Handles Different Policy Types
Group Term Life Insurance
This is the most common Unum policy, provided through an employer.
- Process: Requires an "Employer Statement" to verify the employee was active and covered at the time of death.
- Payout: Usually a lump sum to the named beneficiary.
- Timeline: 5–10 business days after receiving all forms (including employer's).
Whole / Universal Life Insurance
These are individual policies that may have cash value.
- Process: Direct claim with Unum; less reliance on employer verification.
- Payout: Death benefit + any accumulated cash value (minus loans).
- Timeline: 5–10 business days.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (ADD)
Pays an additional benefit if death was caused solely by an accident.
- Process: Strict review of the death certificate and accident reports.
- Scrutiny: Unum will investigate to ensure death wasn't caused by illness, suicide, or exclusion (e.g., drunk driving).
- Timeline: 30–60+ days (investigation required).
Disability Insurance (STD / LTD)
If the decedent was receiving disability payments:
- Process: Notify Unum immediately to stop payments. Any payments made after the date of death must be returned.
- Survivor Benefit: Some LTD policies have a "Survivor Benefit" (e.g., 3 months of payments) payable to the spouse or children. Ask specifically about this.
State Considerations
How State Law Affects Insurance Claims
While Unum is national, 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 is made.
- Contestability Period: If the policy was less than 2 years old, Unum has the right to investigate the medical history to ensure no fraud occurred on the application. This can delay payment by months.
- Slayer Statutes: State laws prevent a beneficiary from collecting if they were responsible for the death.
- Divorce: In some states, a divorce automatically revokes a spouse as a beneficiary, even if the name wasn't changed on the policy.
Key State Variations
| State | Interest Required? | Contestability | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Yes | 2 Years | Strict beneficiary protection rules |
| California | Yes | 2 Years | Community property may affect spousal rights |
| Texas | Yes | 2 Years | Community property state |
For detailed probate and estate laws, see our state probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Unum Takes to Release Funds
| Claim Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Life Claim | 5–10 business days | Fast if beneficiary is clear & forms are complete |
| Online Claim (Direct Deposit) | 3–7 business days | Fastest method |
| Accidental Death (ADD) | 30–60 days | Requires accident/police report review |
| Contestable Claim (<2 years old) | 2–6 months | Requires medical record review |
| Estate as Beneficiary | 3–6 weeks | Depends on obtaining Letters Testamentary |
| No Beneficiary Named | 1–3 months | Must determine legal heirs per policy hierarchy |
Note: The "clock" starts only after Unum receives ALL documents, including the Employer Statement for group policies.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
The "Employer Statement" Delay
For workplace policies, you cannot get paid until the employer submits their part. Tip: Follow up with the company's HR department weekly to ensure they have sent the "Employer Statement" to Unum.
Contestability Period
If the policy was issued within the last 2 years, Unum may investigate the decedent's medical history. Tip: Be prepared for a longer timeline and requests for medical records.
Accidental Death Definitions
"Accidental" is strictly defined. Deaths from medical malpractice, drug overdose (in some states), or illness triggered by an accident often do not qualify for ADD payouts.
Don't Close the Bank Account Yet
If you request a direct deposit or check, ensure the recipient account is open. If the beneficiary is the Estate, you must open an "Estate of [Name]" bank account first—you cannot deposit an estate check into a personal account.
Check for "Waiver of Premium"
If the decedent was disabled before death, they might have had life insurance coverage continued without payment (Waiver of Premium). Always file a claim even if you think the policy lapsed due to non-payment while they were sick.