Text Size: A A A

Beneficiary Resource Center

Common Questions

Topics

Click here to access the full list of
Annuity Common Questions

Annuity Common Questions

What documents are required when a claim for death benefits is being filed?
- Original annuity contract, if available
- A certified copy of the death certificate, unless otherwise noted
- Completed Claim to Annuity Benefits form (required by all beneficiaries listed on the contract) and
- Any additional claim form that is required for the payment option you have selected.
Did this answer your question? Yes / No
How will I receive the annuity proceeds?
We encourage you to read the contract, to determine the death benefit payment options that may be available to you. If you cannot locate the contract or you are still unsure as to your choices, Talk to an AXA Advisors Financial Professional or locate the beneficiary Customer Service telephone number(s) relevant to your situation to determine your eligibility for any option. Depending on the terms of the contract, your options may include:
- A periodic annuity payment plan (a continuous stream of income);
- A lump sum; or
- A combination of options in order to meet your needs.
Please Note:
- The Contract owner may have chosen the death benefit payment option for you.
- Based on your status, certain options may not be available to you.
- Not all options are available in connection with all products.

You should also check with your tax advisor to determine the potential tax implications of your options before your choosing.

Did this answer your question? Yes / No

Where can I obtain a death certificate?

Death certificates may be obtained either through the funeral director or from the County Clerk's office. You may also consult the National Center for Health Statistics website at http://www.cdc.gov for assistance.

Did this answer your question? Yes / No

Is more than one original death certificate required if there are multiple beneficiaries and/or multiple contracts administered by AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company or its affiliates?

No. We require one original death certificate (a copy of the death certificate may be accepted in some instances) for a claim regardless of the product or the number of beneficiaries. If there are multiple AXA Equitable contracts, you may submit a copy of the death certificate with a statement indicating which department has the original.

Did this answer your question? Yes / No

If the beneficiary is a minor and no custodian has been appointed by the contract owner, what requirements are needed?

Each state has specific rules related to payment of funds to a minor depending on the amount. A court-approved legal guardianship/conservatorship document may be required when the death benefit amount exceeds certain amounts. Please contact the Customer Service area for specific rules that apply to your situation.

Did this answer your question? Yes / No

If an individual is signing as Attorney-in-Fact on behalf of a beneficiary (on the basis of a Power of Attorney), what requirements are needed?

A copy of the Power of Attorney completed and signed by the beneficiary and signed by the individual as Attorney-in-Fact may be required. In some instances, an accompanying declaration of Attorney-in-Fact may also be required.

Did this answer your question? Yes / No

Can a contract continue upon the death of the annuitant?

For some contracts, where the owner and annuitant are the same individual and the only designated beneficiary is the individual's spouse, the spouse may continue the contract. Please contact the Customer Service area for information regarding your particular circumstances.

Did this answer your question? Yes / No

Are there additional requirements if an annuitant or owner dies in a foreign country?

Any death of an annuitant or owner in a foreign country could extend the claim processing time. Please submit an original death certificate with a State Department of a US Citizen abroad form. If the death certificate is in a different language, please provide us with the translation.

Did this answer your question? Yes / No

Are annuity death benefit payments taxable and if so, how are they taxed?

Annuity death benefits payments may be fully or partially taxable as "ordinary" income (and not capital gain income), depending on the type of contract (nonqualified or qualified type, such as IRA or Tax Sheltered Annuity) and whether the owner or annuitant made after-tax contributions. Depending on the payment option elected, this income may be includable in the year of distribution or tax may be payable over a period of time. Also, annuity death benefit payments may be subject to estate or inheritance taxes, which vary by jurisdiction.

To determine the annuity death benefit payment options that are available to you, we recommend that you check with the Financial Professional assigned to the contract, Talk to an AXA Advisors Financial Professional or locate the beneficiary Customer Service telephone number(s) relevant to your situation. You should then check with your tax advisor to determine the potential tax implications of your options before choosing.

Did this answer your question? Yes / No

What additional requirements are needed when the beneficiary is not a named individual?

Generally, documents that indicate the individual's authority to act on behalf of the entity may be required. For example, the following documents and information may be requested if the beneficiary is one of the types below:

Trust-Requested documentation may include the trust document, including title, appointment and signature pages and any amendments naming the successor trustee. The Trustee(s) should also complete the Claim to Annuity Benefits and Payment Option forms on behalf of the Trust, including the Taxpayer Identification Number. The Taxpayer Identification Number is not the Social Security Number of the deceased, trustee, or executor. If the trust is a testamentary trust, the probated Last Will & Testament may also be requested.

Estate- Requested documentation may include Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. The executor or personal representative should also complete the Claim to Annuity Benefits and Payment Option forms on behalf of the Estate, including the Estate's Taxpayer Identification Number. The Taxpayer Identification Number is not the Social Security Number of the deceased, executor, or personal representative.

Charitable Organizations-Requested documentation may include Board Resolution or By-Laws conferring authorization on signee.

Beneficiary Designated under aWill-Requested documentation may include probated copy of the Last Will & Testament.

Unidentified Children of Annuitant- Requested documentation may include Affidavit of Children completed by someone who is knowledgeable of the decedents family. The form must be notarized.

Did this answer your question? Yes / No

What should I do if I have additional questions?

Contact the Financial Professional assigned to the contract, Talk to an AXA Advisors Financial Professional or locate the beneficiary Customer Service telephone number(s) relevant to your situation.

Did this answer your question? Yes / No