How to Notify MetLife of a Death
Phone or online. MetLife's Beneficiary Assistance program supports the claims process alongside broader guidance for the weeks after a loss.
What MetLife requires
Certified copies of the death certificate
Life insurance claim filing
MetLife's beneficiary checklist covers this alongside notifying other carriers and locating will/trust documents.
What to expect
Note: For Life and AD&D benefits of $5,000 or more, proceeds are placed into a Total Control Account rather than paid as a lump sum, subject to state law and group policyholder direction.
A letter you can send MetLife 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.
MetLife 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 MetLife can reach you.
Most estates need this same letter for eight or nine institutions, not just MetLife. 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.
MetLife death notification FAQ
How do I notify MetLife of a death?
Phone or online. MetLife's Beneficiary Assistance program supports the claims process alongside broader guidance for the weeks after a loss.
What documents does MetLife require?
Certified copies of the death certificate Life insurance claim filing — MetLife's beneficiary checklist covers this alongside notifying other carriers and locating will/trust documents.
What if my loved one had other accounts besides MetLife?
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 MetLife's official website on July 18, 2026. Requirements, contact info, and processes change — confirm current requirements with MetLife's official page before relying on this guide. Estate Assist provides general information, not legal advice.