Should I follow up with a call re: benefits payout?

General
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I’m feeling really anxious. My dad had a group life insurance policy with NY Life, and he worked for the company for less than two years. His death was recorded as “complications due to alcohol use disorder,” and I’m worried they’ll deny the claim because of the contestability period. I emailed his death certificate to NY Life on September 23rd, but I’ve heard nothing back except a form email saying, “Your email will be reviewed.”

It’s been about 10 business days, and I don’t know if I should wait longer or call to follow up. I’m also unsure if I need to mail them an official death certificate since they didn’t confirm receipt. The letter said they’ll update every 30 days, but that feels like a long time, especially since I had to ask my dad’s siblings to pay for his cremation. I want to pay them back, but everything is in limbo.

On top of that, my dad didn’t have a will, my brother is in prison, and managing his estate is a nightmare. I have no idea if there are funds in his accounts to cover a probate attorney either. Should I wait another week to contact them, or is it okay to reach out now, even though it’s only been 10 business days? I just want to know if this process will drag out or if it’s going to be denied.

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I would call. I believe New York Life will pay the benefit either way. Was it just a group term policy? Was the company covering the premium? If it was guaranteed issue, I wouldn’t worry about the cause of death. Denials usually happen only if the death occurred during a felony.

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Exactly. And to ease your mind, just make the call. They’re not going to say, “Oh, someone called, deny it!”

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Honestly, I’m not sure. All I know is that it was through NY Life Group Benefit Solutions, and my dad bought extra coverage on top of the company’s standard plan. (And that I’m the beneficiary, lol.)

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5

What state are you in?

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Does it affect processing times? (Genuine question). My dad lived in California, and I’m in Delaware now.

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7

Calling won’t hurt.

Emphasize the urgency and ask if they can expedite his file.

The worst they can say is there’s no option to speed it up, and it might take 2-4 weeks. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease!

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I think the only way that they can deny a claim within the first two years is due to suicide.

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Sure,
but where’s the line? To be blunt, his doctors told him to stop drinking or he wouldn’t live another ten years. He didn’t stop. He didn’t do anything besides continue being an alcoholic, knowing it was killing him. So, is ongoing substance abuse considered suicidal by the life insurance company, or do they mean something more immediate, like an overdose or hanging? Or do they just go by whatever the medical examiner writes down?