What is the typical amount of time before a beneficiary will get money given to them?

Answer 1

It depends on the complexity of the estate, how many beneficiaries, and what kind of property is in the estate. I am executor on two estates. It was over a year before I was able to distribute any of the proceeds. Another estate where I was named a beneficiary, we were able to access a first distribution in just couple of months. There is no set time limit, because every estate is different.
Life insurance benefits are treated differently, they are direct payment, not through the estate, and can be from a few days to a few weeks at maximum normally.

Answer 2

With life insurance, under ordinary circumstances, not more than a couple days after you provide a copy of the death certificate.