Estate Planning 101

Notifying Sun Life Financial 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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Need a Will or Trust?

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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In the unfortunate event of a loved one's passing, it is important to notify various organizations, including their pension provider, such as Sun Life Financial. This ensures the cessation of pension payments and the initiation of any potential survivor benefits.

Who Should Be Notified

Sun Life Financial, or any other pension provider that your loved one was associated with, should be notified of their demise. They need this information to stop pension payments and inform you about any survivor benefits, if applicable.

When to Notify

You should notify Sun Life Financial as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. This helps prevent any overpayments of benefits, which could lead to subsequent issues.

How to Notify

You can notify Sun Life Financial about the death by calling their customer service number. Be prepared to provide the deceased's policy number and a copy of the death certificate. In some cases, you may also need to complete and submit a Claimant's Statement for Death Benefits form.

What to Expect After Notification

After notifying Sun Life Financial, they will cease the pension payments and provide details about potential survivor benefits or any lump-sum death benefits. They will guide you through the claim process for these benefits.

Tips for Notification

Keep copies of all correspondence with Sun Life Financial, including dates and times of phone calls or in-person visits. This will be helpful if there are any discrepancies or issues down the line. It may also be beneficial to seek legal or financial advice to understand the implications of any benefits received.

Conclusion

Notifying Sun Life Financial after the passing of a loved one is an essential task. It ensures correct handling of their pension and allows potential access to survivor benefits. With proper documentation and a bit of preparation, this task can be managed effectively during this challenging time.

FAQ

Q: Can I notify Sun Life Financial online?
A: Currently, Sun Life Financial requires notification of a death to be made over the phone or in writing. It's recommended to check their website or contact them for the most current process.

Q: What if my loved one received overpayments after their death?
A: If Sun Life Financial was not notified promptly and continued to make payments, they will typically request this money back. It's best to discuss this situation directly with them.

Q: What if I can't find my loved one's policy number?
A: If you cannot locate the policy number, call Sun Life Financial's customer service. They may be able to locate the policy with other identifying information, such as the deceased's full name and date of birth.