MY GRANDMA HAD DIED IN JANUARY AND SHE A 10 THOUSAND DOLLAR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY THROUGH MET LIFE. MY UNCLE WHO IS THE POWER OF ATTORNEY IS HAVING A HARD TIME GETIING THE BENEFIT BECAUSE MET LIFE CLAIMS THAT THEY NEED ALL MY GRANDMAS SIBLINGS INFORMATION INCLUDING THEIR S.S NUMBERS. WHY DO THEY NEED THAT IF THEY ARE'NT THE ONES RECIEVING THE BENEFIT?
2006-07-20 03:26:03 · 6 answers · asked by jmpoct03 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
If you have the policy, or retained a copy, check the beneficiary designation. It's probable your grandmother named these siblings as co-beneficiaries, so your uncle can't claim the benefits by himself. Also, his "Durable Power of Attorney" ended when your grandmother died, so he has no more authority in this matter than anyone else in your family.
Generally, insurers ask for SSN's on all beneficiaries, since SOME (not all) life insurance proceeds are taxable. It depends on the kind of policy your grandmother had.
While contacting your state's insurance commissioner is certainly an option, you won't get an answer very quickly because it'll have to investigate first. Why not ask the agent to explain to your family -- in plain English -- what the cause of the delay is. After all, he or she received commissions from the premiums your grandmother paid and this is part of the job!
2006-07-20 04:07:11 · answer #1 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Contact your state insurance commission. They can tell you whether the request is legitimate or not, and put pressure on Met Life to release the funds.
Generally, Met Life has a very strong rating, and fewer than average complaints. If the siblings are not listed on the policy, then I can not imagine why they want that information. In fact, Social Security Numbers are privileged information, so if they can not give your Uncle an explantion as to why they want that information, they mnay be in violation of Federal Law as well.
2006-07-20 03:33:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cant really do anything about it. It is a law stated under Insurance Act and thats what the company is followring. When you pass on the claim. You have to go through all the legal procedures. They are bit lengthy and complicated at moments but they are there for everybody's good. I mean there are other people who have the stake in the company. The company needs to be convinced on every current legal aspect as well for which can arise later also by other people.
2006-07-20 03:37:03 · answer #3 · answered by sahniankur 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They shouldn't. Life insurance with a name beneficiary is not part of the persons estate, so not subject to probate or state laws regarding people departing without a will. Check with your state insurance commission.
I hope this helps.
2006-07-20 03:50:55 · answer #4 · answered by Leslie G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The law requires so. if your grandma had left a will with your name as beneficiary of the insurance or if your name is shown as nominee in the insurance bond, this problem would not have raised.
The insurance company is right in what they are asking.
2006-07-20 03:33:07 · answer #5 · answered by Electric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are just fullfilling their obligation, and even you should fulfil by submitting necessary documents
2006-07-20 03:39:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋