Updating your insurance beneficiary can bring peace of mind

Life Insurance should give you and your loved ones peace of mind that they will have funds available if anything happens to you. But that may not happen if your insurance beneficiary designation isn’t up to date.

What Could Happen if I Don’t Update My Beneficiaries?

Not keeping insurance beneficiaries up to date may result in your benefits going to a former spouse, a deceased parent’s estate, and your estate! It could also result in payment delays at a time when your loved one needs the money. For example, if the listed beneficiaries are children from a first marriage, then children from a current marriage might contest the claim if they believe they have more recent documents showing they should be the beneficiaries. No one could be paid until it is determined who legally is entitled to the money.

What If I Name a Minor Child as Beneficiary?

If you name a minor child as your insurance beneficiary, then the proceeds will be paid to the court-appointed guardian of the child’s estate. Or, the funds will be paid to the child when he or she reaches the “age of majority,” which varies from state to state.

Can I Name a Trust as Beneficiary?

Yes, but designating a Trust as your beneficiary does not create a Trust. You must work with a financial or legal professional to set up a Trust before naming one as your insurance beneficiary.

Update Your Beneficiaries Today.

If you’ve had a recent life event such as a change in marital status, the addition of a child, or the death of a loved one, then now is a good time to review your insurance beneficiary designation for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) and VA Insurance policies starting with V, RH, RS, J, K or W. It’s the best way to ensure your life insurance benefit is paid to the people you want.

Even if you haven’t had a recent life event, it’s a good idea to review your beneficiaries at least once a year. So, mark it on your calendar as an annual event. And remember, you have the legal right to name any beneficiary you want and change your beneficiary at any time.

How do I Update My Beneficiaries?

Please refer to the chart below for information on how to review and update your beneficiaries.

*You can access all Change of Beneficiary forms at http://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/updatebene.asp.