The Importance of Keeping Your Beneficiary Information Up-to-Date

Tom was a beloved coach at the local high school and his sudden death was a surprise to all. Everyone’s thoughts turned to his wife of 2 years, Nancy, who always cheered on the team at every game. When it came time to collect Tom’s death benefit, it was discovered that Tom had never updated his beneficiary information after his divorce and second marriage. Subsequently, Tom’s ex-wife collected the payment.

Unfortunately, these sad situations do happen. As benefit administrators, employee education is always at the forefront of the job. Reminding employees to keep their beneficiary information current ensures that the employee’s wishes are fulfilled and that legal complications are avoided.

Here’s what other schools, cities and counties have done to remind their employees about updating their beneficiary information:

• At open enrollment time, include an information sheet and a copy of the life insurance company’s beneficiary form in their enrollment packet.
• Once a year, send an email reminder to your employees about beneficiary updates and attach the information sheet and beneficiary form.
• When an employee contacts you about a benefit change, it’s usually prompted by a life event (marriage, birth, adoption, divorce, death, etc.) This is also a good time for an employee to update their beneficiary information if necessary.