Estate Planning 101

Notifying Symetra 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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In the unfortunate event of a loved one's passing, there are numerous tasks that need to be addressed. One such responsibility is notifying various entities, including the deceased's pension provider. If your loved one had a pension plan with Symetra, it's crucial to inform them promptly.

Who Should Be Notified

Symetra is a financial services company that offers retirement plans, life insurance, annuities, and employee benefits. If your loved one had a retirement or pension plan with Symetra, it's essential to notify them about the death as it may affect the status of the plan or result in a payout to beneficiaries.

When to Notify

You should inform Symetra as soon as possible after the death of a loved one. This will help prevent any unnecessary continuation of payments and facilitate the processing of any potential benefits for beneficiaries.

How to Notify

To notify Symetra, you can call their customer service number at 1-800-SYMETRA. You'll need to provide the deceased's policy number, full name, date of birth, and date of death. Additionally, you'll need to submit a certified copy of the death certificate by mail.

What to Expect After Notification

After notification, Symetra will review the deceased's account and provide information on any remaining benefits or payouts. This could include a lump sum or continued payments to a surviving spouse or other designated beneficiaries. They will guide you through the necessary steps to claim any benefits.

Tips for Notification

Keep a record of all communications with Symetra, including the date and time of calls and the names of any representatives you speak with. Ask for clear, detailed instructions about the next steps and don't hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear. This will help ensure a smooth process.

Conclusion

Notifying Symetra of a loved one's death is an important step in managing their financial affairs. It can be an emotionally challenging task, but with preparation and understanding, you can successfully navigate this process and ensure any remaining benefits are properly addressed.

FAQ

Q: Can I notify Symetra of a death online?
A: As of now, Symetra requires a phone call to their customer service line to report a death and a physical copy of the death certificate. Always check their website for the most updated information.

Q: What if I don't have all the necessary information?
A: Contact Symetra anyway. They can often locate the deceased's policy using their full name and date of birth.

Q: What happens if the pension payments continue after death?
A: If the pension payments continue after death, you should notify Symetra immediately. Overpayments may need to be returned to prevent further complications.