File a claim

When you're ready, we're here to help.

Losing a loved one is difficult. Managing your beneficiary claim doesn’t have to be.

In times like these, financial matters may be the last thing on your mind. That’s why we’ve designed our claims process in three steps – so you can focus on what matters most.

Refer to the step below that aligns closest to your current situation.

Step 1: Get started.

Begin the process by filling out a few questions about the annuity contract owner or life insurance policy owner or by calling one of our representatives.

Step 2: Return claim form packet to Allianz.

After you contact us, the designated primary beneficiary will be mailed our claim form packet. The packet includes contract-specific information that must be completed and returned to us.

Step 3: Processing.

Upon receipt, the Allianz Claims department will evaluate your claim within 10 business days. We will contact the beneficiary for additional information if needed.

Step 1: Get started

To get started, the following information will be helpful in submitting your claim:

Name of deceased
Contract or policy number(s)
Date of death
Date of birth and/or Social Security number (SSN) of deceased

What to expect after claim process is started

The beneficiary will receive a claim form packet from Allianz.
Upon receipt of the completed claim form packet and proof of death (i.e., death certificate) from the beneficiary, we will evaluate the claim within 10 business days or within applicable state requirements. We will contact the beneficiary if additional information is needed.
Note: Contract specific information can only be provided to the beneficiary during the claims process or their legal representative (i.e., attorney-in-fact, guardian).

Frequently asked questions for filing a claim:

What is a beneficiary? Are there different kinds?

A beneficiary is the person or entity that is entitled to the death benefit of the annuity contract or life insurance policy. Types of beneficiaries may include an individual, minor, trust, estate, or a qualified retirement plan.

What is required to file a death claim?

A death claim requires the beneficiary to complete and return the claim form packet with one copy of the certified death certificate. Click the Start a claim button to start the claims process.
Note: Additional documents may be required if you are a minor beneficiary, trust beneficiary, estate beneficiary, foreign beneficiary, or a qualified retirement plan beneficiary.

What if I have questions about my claim or benefit payment options?

Contact us for assistance. When you call, we’ll ask you to provide the contract number or Social Security number (SSN) of the deceased.

Step 2: Return the claim form packet to Allianz

Your claim form packet will contain a cover letter that includes death benefit values. Please be aware there may be different death benefit values available to a beneficiary depending upon the claim option that is elected.

Once you’ve received your claim form packet, please complete and return it to us at:

Fixed Annuities and Life Insurance Policies:

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
PO Box 59060
Minneapolis, MN 55459-0060

Variable Annuities:

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
PO Box 561
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0561

Please note: If a claim isn't filed within a certain number of years after the death, it is considered unclaimed property and is sent to the state in accordance with state requirements.

Frequently asked questions for returning claim form packet:

Once I've submitted my beneficiary claim form packet, how long will it take to process?

Upon receipt of the required documents, we will process your claim within 10 business days or within the applicable state requirements.

What is the difference between a tax-qualified and non-qualified annuity contract?

Annuities are classified into two basic types: tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified.

Tax-qualified annuities, include retirement arrangements such as IRAs, 403(b) contracts or qualified retirement plans. Generally the owner may have received an income tax deduction when the funds were contributed to the contract (IRAs) or the owner had contributions made through pre-tax dollars (such as 403(b)s or qualified retirement plans). Roth IRAs are also considered tax-qualified but are purchased with after-tax dollars.
With a non-tax-qualified annuity, these funds are not part of a retirement arrangement as described above. Contributions to a non-tax-qualified annuity are made with after-tax dollars which means income taxes were already paid on the money before it was put into the annuity contract by the owner.

What portion of my death benefit is taxable?

Annuities:
If the annuity contract is a tax-qualified annuity, such as an IRA, the entire amount of the death benefit will generally be fully taxable. Different rules apply to Roth IRAs. The death benefit from a Roth IRA may be income tax free if certain requirements are met.

If the annuity contract is a non-tax-qualified annuity, any amount over the owner's cost basis (generally the after-tax contributions that were made by the owner) in the contract is taxable as ordinary income.

Life insurance:
The death benefit is generally not taxable to the beneficiary. However, any claim interest paid as part of the death benefit may be taxable.

Are there time limitations for filing a death claim?

Yes, if a claim isn't filed within a certain number of years it is considered unclaimed property and would be sent to the state in accordance with applicable state requirements.

If I want to elect annuitization payments to receive the death benefit, are there any time periods I need to be concerned with?

Yes, the taxation of the death benefit proceeds for annuity payments is affected by the length of time between the date of death and the date the first payment goes out.

For tax-qualified annuities, your first annuity payment must be issued by December 31 in the year after the death in order to avoid potential tax penalties.
For non-tax-qualified annuities, your first annuity payment must be made within one year from the date of death.
If your first non-tax qualified annuity payment is issued after one year from the date of death, the following will occur:
- We will report the entire taxable portion of the death benefit in the year in which the first payment is made. This means that although you will not have full access to the funds in a lump sum, you could 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, an amount equal to 10% withholding of the taxable amount for federal income tax (plus any mandatory state income tax if applicable). The amount of income tax withheld will reduce the death benefit value dollar for dollar.
- After the taxable amount is reported to you as income, you will not be taxed on this amount again when annuity payments begin; instead only 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.

What are my payout options?

Your death benefit options may differ according to the annuity contract or life insurance policy. Refer to the claim form packet to learn what is available. The death benefit amount that you receive from the contract or policy may also vary based on your death benefit payment option that you elect.

It’s a good idea to contact your financial professional or issuing agent to review and determine the best options for your situation.

Step 3: Processing

Upon receipt of the completed claim form packet and certified death certificate, the Allianz Claims department will evaluate your claim within 10 business days (or within applicable state requirements).

Depending on the option selected, payment will be sent to the beneficiary. A confirmation letter will also be mailed under separate cover that includes payment and taxability details.

Tax forms will be sent to the beneficiary in the year following payment if applicable.

We’re here if you need us.

Monday – Thursday
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time

Friday
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time

800.950.1962
Fixed annuities and Life insurance

800.624.0197
Variable annuities

File a claim

When you're ready, we're here to help.

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