The first weeks
Contact any pension or retirement plan administrators
If they had a pension (through work, a union, a former employer), the plan administrator handles survivor benefit claims. For 401(k) or IRA, the beneficiary designation on file with the plan controls, regardless of what the will says.
What you'll need
- Plan or pension numbers
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Good to know
Beneficiary beats will: If a retirement account or life insurance policy names a specific beneficiary, that person gets the money, even if the will says otherwise. This trips up families all the time.
Get help with this
Why we recommend Sunset
Sunset can locate pension and retirement accounts and help with the transfer.
Trusted partner
Sunset
At no charge, helps families find and transfer life insurance, 401(k)s, bank accounts, and more.
Need help with this step?
Someone on our team can talk through this step with you, answer questions, and help you figure out what applies.
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