Estate Planning 101

Notifying Principal Financial Group After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

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Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
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The death of a loved one brings with it many responsibilities, one of which includes notifying various institutions. If your loved one was receiving a pension from Principal Financial Group, notifying them is an important step to cease payments and potentially apply for any survivor benefits.

Who Should Be Notified

Principal Financial Group should be notified in the event of a pensioner's death. Principal Financial Group is a global financial investment management and insurance company that provides a variety of retirement and pension plans. If your loved one was receiving a pension from this institution, it is crucial to notify them of the death.

When to Notify

You should notify Principal Financial Group as soon as possible after your loved one's death. This will help prevent any overpayment of pension benefits and allow for the smooth transition of any potential survivor benefits.

How to Notify

You can notify Principal Financial Group by calling their customer service at 1-800-986-3343. You will likely need to provide the deceased's Social Security number or policy number for identification purposes. Additionally, you will need to mail or fax a copy of the death certificate.

What to Expect After Notification

Once Principal Financial Group is notified of the death, they will cease any ongoing pension payments and provide details regarding potential survivor benefits. They may also offer guidance on how to claim these benefits, if applicable.

Tips for Notification

When notifying Principal Financial Group, keep a record of all correspondence and phone calls, including dates and times. This will be useful if there are any discrepancies or issues in the future. Remember that Principal Financial Group is there to assist you, so do not hesitate to ask any questions or seek clarification on any points.

Conclusion

While the task of notifying financial institutions of a loved one's passing can be daunting, it is a necessary step in settling their affairs. By understanding the process, you can ensure that this task is handled efficiently and promptly.

FAQ

Q: Can I notify Principal Financial Group online?
A: At this time, Principal Financial Group requires notification of a death to be done by phone and confirmed with a mailed or faxed copy of the death certificate.

Q: What should I do if Principal Financial Group continues to make pension payments after the death?
A: If Principal Financial Group continues to make payments after being notified of the death, contact their customer service to resolve the issue.

Q: Who is eligible for survivor benefits?
A: Eligibility for survivor benefits depends on the specific pension plan of the deceased. Principal Financial Group can provide specific information based on the individual's plan.