How to Notify John Hancock of a Death
Online or phone. Report the death online or by phone, then complete and mail the claim form and required documents to the Claims Department.
John Hancock — contact info
- Estate / bereavement phone
- 888-887-2739
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET
- Mailing address
- John Hancock Life Post Issue - Claims PO Box 55979 Boston, MA 02205
What John Hancock requires
Claim form for your state
Select the correct claim package for the decedent's state, complete it, and mail it in.
Supporting documents
The specific list depends on individual circumstances — you'll be notified of any additional requirements after the initial claim is received.
What to expect
Processing time: Funds are generally disbursed within 7–10 business days after John Hancock receives the claim form and any other required information.
A letter you can send John Hancock today
Fill these in and the letter below becomes yours — dated today, ready to print and send. Nothing is saved and you don't need an account.
Your letter asks what the institution requires. It won't claim you're authorised to act for the estate — only a court appointment gives you that, and saying so without one can hold up the process.
John Hancock Life Post Issue - Claims PO Box 55979 Boston, MA 02205 Re: Life Insurance Claim — Insured: Robert J. Sample Dear Claims Department, I am writing to initiate a life insurance claim on the above-referenced policy. The insured, Robert J. Sample, has passed away. I, [Your Name], am writing regarding the estate of Robert J. Sample, to ask what your institution requires in order to proceed. I respectfully request the following: 1. Please send me the required claim forms and a complete list of documents needed to process this claim. 2. Please confirm the current status and details of the policy. 3. Please advise of any deadlines or time-sensitive requirements. Enclosed please find a certified copy of the death certificate for your records. I can be reached at the contact information below. Thank you for your assistance during this difficult time. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone] [Your Email] Enclosures: - Certified Death Certificate - Government-issued Identification
Fill in the bracketed lines under your signature before you send it, so John Hancock can reach you.
Most estates need this same letter for eight or nine institutions, not just John Hancock. Estate Assist finds them and drafts a letter for each.
Draft the rest of my letters →Can't find an account login? Check a password manager app like LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane — many people store their logins there. Look for a small colored icon in the browser toolbar or on the phone's home screen. You'll need the master password to unlock it — never share that with anyone claiming to need it for notification purposes.
John Hancock death notification FAQ
How do I notify John Hancock of a death?
Online or phone. Report the death online or by phone, then complete and mail the claim form and required documents to the Claims Department.
What documents does John Hancock require?
Claim form for your state — Select the correct claim package for the decedent's state, complete it, and mail it in. Supporting documents — The specific list depends on individual circumstances — you'll be notified of any additional requirements after the initial claim is received.
How long does the process take with John Hancock?
Funds are generally disbursed within 7–10 business days after John Hancock receives the claim form and any other required information.
What if my loved one had other accounts besides John Hancock?
Every institution has its own process and required documents. Estate Assist reads the estate's documents, identifies every institution to notify, and drafts a personalized letter for each one automatically.
Other institutions
Checked against John Hancock's official website on July 18, 2026. Requirements, contact info, and processes change — confirm current requirements with John Hancock's official page before relying on this guide. Estate Assist provides general information, not legal advice.