Claims
Group Retirement claim resources
Group Retirement claims are paid after our service team verifies you are the rightful beneficiary, the contract is active and all conditions have been satisfied.
Prefer not to start your claim online?
Start your claim by phone by calling our Group Retirement Service Center
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
Documents and forms
When filing a claim by mail, these documents are necessary:
- Death certificate - a copy of the death certificate with cause and manner of death
- EQUI-VEST® Claim to Annuity Benefits form (Required for all beneficiaries listed on the contract)
- W-9 - Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification for Estate, Trust, or any other non-natural entity
- Additional documents - required for the payment option you have selected (see additional option forms below)
You may also request these forms be sent to you by calling the numbers below, submitting an online claim notification or through the policyholder’s financial professional.
Additional documents may be needed
Not all options are available to all beneficiaries. Depending on your personal situation, these additional documents may be necessary:
- EQUI-VEST® Lump Sum Distribution Form: Required when receiving a lump sum distribution in the form of a check or an Equitable online account
- EQUI-VEST® Periodic Payment Plan Option Form: Required when receiving a guaranteed stream of income
- EQUI-VEST® Inherited Annuity Beneficiary Continuation Option (BCO) for NQ Form: Refer to form for requirements
- EQUI-VEST® Beneficiary Continuation Option (BCO) Form: Refer to form for requirements
- EQUI-VEST® Trustee Certification Form: Available in conjunction with the BCO options if the Trust is a beneficiary and elects BCO (to be completed with the applicable BCO form)
- EQUI-VEST® Successor Owner/Annuitant (SOA) Option Form: Required when the spouse wants to continue the existing contract in their name and take over ownership
- Losing a Loved One Beneficiary Guide: To assist with important decisions after the loss of a loved one
You may also request the forms be sent to you by calling:
Contact and mail information
Fax
(816) 701-4967
Regular Mail
Equitable EQUI-VEST® Processing Office
PO Box 1430
Charlotte, NC 28201-1430
Express Mail
Equitable EQUI-VEST® Processing Office
8501 IBM Dr., Suite 150-GR
Charlotte, NC 28262-4333
FAQs
A beneficiary can begin the claims process by contacting the retirement plan administrator or financial institution that holds the account. The provider will supply the necessary claim forms and explain the documentation required to process the claim. Submitting complete paperwork can help avoid delays and streamline the process.
Processing times vary by plan administrator and financial institution. Once all required claim forms and supporting documents have been submitted and reviewed, distributions can often be processed within 3 business days. Incomplete documentation may result in additional review time.
A beneficiary may have several distribution options available, depending on the plan's provisions and applicable regulations. Common options can include:
- A lump-sum distribution
- An inherited retirement account
- Scheduled withdrawals over time
- Other beneficiary distribution methods permitted by the plan
Reviewing the available choices carefully can help beneficiaries make informed financial decisions.
If no beneficiary is named, or if no eligible beneficiary remains on record, the proceeds are distributed in the following order of priority: surviving spouse, surviving children, and if none, the estate.
Before a claim can be paid, Equitable must confirm that the claimant is the appropriate beneficiary, the applicable contract is current and in force, and all contract conditions have been met. Claimants may be asked to provide a pension statement or annuity contract, a copy of the death certificate, and a completed Claimant’s Statement Form for each beneficiary listed on the contract. Additional documentation may be required depending on the contract and beneficiary circumstances. For assistance, call (800) 245-1230.
GE-9158826.1 (10/2026) (Exp. 10/2030)
Support is available