Our claims process in three steps
When you lose a loved one, financial matters may be the last thing on your mind. That’s why we’ve designed our claims process in three straightforward steps – so you can focus on what matters most.
File a claim
When you’re ready, we’re here to help.
Report a death
Let us know about the passing so we can begin the claims process.
Complete and return claim form packet
Fill out the forms we send you and return them with the required documentation.
Review and payment
Allianz will review the claim and issue payment once approved.
Report a death to initiate the claims process
To get started, notify Allianz of the passing using our secure online form. If you have questions, our claims teams are here to help.
Required information
Have the following details available to help us locate the contract:
- Name of deceased
- Contract or policy number(s)
- Date of death
- Date of birth and/or Social Security number (SSN) of deceased
How to report
Complete our brief online form to notify us of the passing. Once that is submitted, we’ll begin preparing your claim form packet.
Need assistance?
Fixed annuities and life insurance
800.950.1962
Variable annuities
800.624.0197
Monday – Thursday
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time
Friday
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time
Complete and return the claim form packet to Allianz
- Once the claims process has started, the beneficiary/beneficiaries will receive a claim form packet from Allianz. The packet will include contract-specific information and instructions, along with a cover letter outlining the available death benefit values. Depending on the claim option selected, the benefit amount may vary.
- Some beneficiaries may be eligible to complete and submit their claim online instead of using the paper form. Refer to your claim form packet to see if this option is available to you.
- Complete the forms and return your claim form packet along with a copy of the certified death certificate (and any additional required documentation, if applicable) to the appropriate address below.
Mailing addresses by Allianz company
Please address the mail to the company that issued the policy or contract.
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
PO Box 59060
Minneapolis, MN 55459-0060
Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York
Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York Home Office
New York, NY Administrative Office
PO Box 59060
Minneapolis, MN 55459-0060
Please note: If a claim is not filed within a certain number of years (required by state law), the proceeds may be transferred to the state as unclaimed property. For privacy reasons, claim details can only be discussed with the beneficiary or their authorized representative (such as an attorney-in-fact or guardian).
What happens once we receive your claim?
- Once Allianz receives your claim form packet, we will review it within 10 business days (or within applicable state requirements). If additional information is needed, we’ll contact you.
- After approval, payment will be issued according to the option selected. A confirmation letter will follow under separate cover outlining payment and taxability details.
- Any required tax forms will be sent in the year following payment.
Frequently asked questions
A beneficiary is the person or entity that is entitled to the death benefit of the annuity contract or life insurance policy. Beneficiaries may include an individual, minor, trust, estate, or qualified retirement plan.
To file a death claim, the beneficiary must first report the death to Allianz to begin the claims process. Once the death is reported, the beneficiary will receive their claim form packet, which includes instructions outlining the information and documentation needed to submit the claim.
In most cases, this includes completing the required claim forms and providing a certified copy of the death certificate.
Additional documentation may be required depending on the beneficiary type, such as if the beneficiary is a minor, trust, estate, foreign beneficiary, or qualified retirement plan.
Contact us for assistance. When you call, we’ll ask you to provide the contract number or Social Security number (SSN) of the deceased. See our contact information below.
Once we receive the required documentation, we will review and process the claim within 10 business days, or within applicable state requirements. If we find that additional information is needed, we will contact you.
Annuities are generally categorized as either tax-qualified or non-tax-qualified, depending on how the contract was funded.
- Tax-qualified annuities, such as IRAs, 403(b)s, or other qualified retirement plans, are part of a retirement arrangement. Contributions are typically made with pre-tax dollars, meaning taxes are generally deferred until distributions are taken. Roth IRAs are also considered tax-qualified but are purchased with after-tax dollars.
- Non-tax-qualified annuities are purchased with after-tax dollars, meaning the funds used to buy the contract have already been taxed and are not part of a retirement arrangement. Because taxes have already been paid on the original contributions, only the earnings portion is typically taxable when payments are made.
Annuities:
If the annuity contract is tax-qualified, such as an IRA, the entire amount of the death benefit is generally fully taxable. Different rules apply to Roth IRAs (the death benefit may be income-tax-free if certain requirements are met).
If the annuity contract is non-tax-qualified, only the earnings portion of the death benefit is typically taxable. The original contributions made to the contract are usually not taxable again.
Life insurance:
Death benefits from life insurance are generally not taxable to the beneficiary. However, any interest paid as part of the death benefit may be taxable.
Yes; if a claim isn’t filed within a certain number of years after the death, the benefit may be considered unclaimed property and transferred to the state in accordance with applicable state laws.
Yes. The taxation of death benefit proceeds for annuity payments can depend on the length of time between the date of death and when the first payment is issued.
- For tax-qualified annuities, the first annuity payment must be issued by December 31 of the year following the year of death to avoid tax penalties.
- For non-tax-qualified annuities, the first annuity payment must begin within one year of the date of death.
If your first non-tax-qualified annuity payment is issued more than one year after the date of death, the following may occur:
- The entire taxable portion of the death benefit will be reported as income in the year the first payment is made. This means that although you will not receive the full amount as a lump sum, you may still have a taxable event.
- You will also need to complete Section 5 tax withholding information if you wish to elect out of federal tax withholding. If you do not elect out of withholding, 10% of the taxable amount may be withheld for federal income tax (plus any mandatory state income tax if applicable). Any amount of income tax withheld will reduce the death benefit value dollar for dollar.
- After the taxable amount has been reported by you as income, you will not be taxed on this amount again when annuity payments begin. Instead, only the earnings from the annuity payments will be taxable each year.
If you will receive the first payment outside of these timeframes, contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Your available death benefit payout options will depend on the annuity contract or life insurance policy. Refer to the claim form packet to review the options available for your specific contract.
The benefit amount may also vary depending on the payout option selected.
It may be a good idea to consult with your financial professional or issuing agent to help determine the option that best fits your unique situation.
Contact information
Fixed annuities and Life insurance
800.950.1962
Variable annuities
800.624.0197
Customer service hours
Monday – Thursday
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time
Friday
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time
