Report a loss online any time. Or call 800-292-8294, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
We’re dedicated to helping you settle accounts.
As you honor your loved one's memory, we can help you manage and settle the details of their USAA life insurance policy and annuities.
We can also provide information on survivor benefits. If you want help, a Survivor Relations team member can go over your options and help you make the best decisions for you and your family.
How to file a life or annuity claim
Steps to complete How to file a life or annuity claim
-
Report a death.
-
Receive and complete a claims packet.
After you’re validated as a beneficiary, you'll get a digital or paper packet in up to 10 business days. We'll use the phone number, email or mailing address that's on file with USAA.
Both packets include details and forms you'll need to complete, sign and return.
The digital packet will arrive in a text or email with a link that leads to a digital flow.
The paper packet will arrive in the mail. To learn how to complete the paper forms, we've created a video to help.
-
Send documents.
To get paper forms processed faster, send forms online using Send documents. After you select "Send documents," you'll select "Upload",
then "Life and Health Insurance or Annuities.”It may take up to 24 hours for our member service representatives to see your documents.
Or use the return envelope in your packet.
-
Wait for approval.
We’ll review your documents. It can take up to 10 business days to complete the review. We’ll contact you if we need more information. Try to respond as soon as you can to avoid delays.
-
Settle your claim.
After your claim is approved, we’ll process your settlement check or wire. It could take up to 5 business days to receive the settlement. If you’re receiving a check through the mail, it might take a few more days.
You'll receive a confirmation letter that includes the details of your settlement and if there's any taxable amount.
What do I need to file a claim?
After you report the death, each beneficiary will receive a claims packet with the following:
- Claimant’s Statement
- Settlement Form
- IRS tax form to complete and return to USAA, if applicable
The following documents may also be required. We ll let you know if we need them.
- Death certificate
- Other documents based on the details of the death and beneficiary type
Life and annuity claims FAQ
In most cases, beneficiaries don't pay taxes on the base life insurance proceeds they receive. But interest earned on those proceeds is taxable, and the beneficiaries would be responsible for that. Read about other examples of when proceeds may be taxable.
It depends. Generally, payouts on annuity claims are taxed as ordinary income.
But the rules may be different if the annuity was funded by a Roth IRA. Payouts are typically tax-free if the Roth IRA owner had the account for more than 5 years before they died.
Also, payouts from a qualified or nonqualified immediate annuity may be fully taxable. The payouts could have what's called an exclusion ratio calculation applied to them. This determines how much of each annuity payout isn’t taxed.
Each taxpayer's position is unique. If you have questions about your personal tax situation, consult a tax advisor.
The options vary depending on the type of claim. There’s a claim settlement request form included in your packet. It shows your options and asks you to choose how you want to get paid.
Life insurance: You can choose a paper check or bank wire. There may be a $20 fee for domestic wire transfers.
Immediate annuities: You can continue to receive payouts or take a lump sum. If you choose to continue payouts, you can pick electronic funds transfer (EFT) or paper check. You can’t change your mind after you make this decision, so choose carefully.
For lump sums, you can choose a paper check or bank wire. There may be a $20 fee for domestic wire transfers.
Deferred annuities: For individuals, your options are lump sum, deferral or annuitization, which spreads the tax liability over several years along with payouts. You’ll need to submit all the requirements 45 days before the one-year anniversary of the annuity owner’s death.
For trusts or estates, options include lump sum or deferral.
For lump sums, you can choose a paper check or bank wire. There may be a $20 fee for domestic wire transfers.
File a life or annuity claim.
We’re here to help.
Let us know if you have questions. Our Survivor Relations team is available by phone Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
Hours
