How to Complete Shenandoah Life Insurance Death Claim Form

Understanding the Death Claim Form

Shenandoah Life Insurance requires a standardized death claim form to verify the policyholder's passing and authorize payment to beneficiaries. The form collects personal details, policy information, and cause of death, and must be signed by the claimant or an authorized representative.

Essential Documents to Attach

Before you start, gather these items to avoid delays:

• Original death certificate (or certified copy)
• Policy number and a copy of the policy document
• Proof of identity for the claimant (driver's license, passport)
• Beneficiary identification (if different from claimant)
• Any required medical or coroner reports for non‑natural deaths

Step‑by‑Step Completion Guide

1 Verify policy details: Locate the policy number, issue date, and coverage amount on the policy document. Enter these exactly as they appear.

2 Enter decedent information: Fill in the full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death. Use the format MM/DD/YYYY.

3 Identify the claimant: Provide your full name, relationship to the deceased, contact information, and Social Security number. If you're acting as an executor, note that title.

4 Beneficiary designation: List the primary and contingent beneficiaries, their percentages, and contact details. If the policy already names beneficiaries, copy those details verbatim.

5 Cause of death: Indicate whether death was natural, accidental, or due to illness. Attach supporting medical records if required.

6 Signature and date: The claimant must sign and date the form. If the claimant is unable to sign, a notarized statement or power of attorney is acceptable.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Missing or mismatched information is the leading cause of claim rejections. Double‑check that the Social Security numbers, dates, and policy numbers match the documents you attach. Incomplete signatures, illegible handwriting, or omitted beneficiaries also trigger delays.

Submission Options

Shenandoah Life offers three ways to submit the claim:

• Mail: Send the completed form and attachments to the address on the policy's back cover. Use certified mail for tracking.
• Fax: Fax the form to the number listed on the insurer's website; follow up with a mailed copy of the original documents.
• Online portal: Upload a scanned PDF of the form and supporting files through the "Claims" section of the Shenandoah Life website. The portal provides a checklist to ensure completeness.

Processing Timeline

Once received, Shenandoah Life reviews the claim within 7‑10 business days. If additional information is needed, they contact the claimant directly. After approval, payout is issued by check or direct deposit within 5‑7 days.

Table: Comparison of Submission Methods