What To Do When a Loved One Passes Away
A compassionate step-by-step guide for Luminary Life beneficiaries, from the first hours after a loss to receiving your claim.
Key Takeaways
- Contact medical professionals first to officially pronounce the death, then arrange funeral transport.
- Luminary Life will help in any way with the claims process to make filing easy.
- You will need a certified death certificate. Order at least 8 to 12 copies.
- Most claims are paid within 2 to 6 weeks after all documents are received.
- The death benefit is paid tax-free and can be used for any purpose, not just funeral costs.
What To Do Right Away
Losing someone you love is one of life's most difficult moments. It can be hard to know where to start, especially when you are grieving. This guide is here to help you take things one step at a time, so nothing falls through the cracks and you can focus on your family.
In the first hours, there are two things that need to happen:
- Contact the appropriate authorities to officially pronounce the death. Depending on the situation, this may be hospital staff, a hospice nurse, or 911.
- Arrange for your loved one to be transported to the funeral home or cremation provider of your choosing.
Where is the body taken after death?
This depends on where the death occurred:
- At a hospital or hospice facility: The staff will typically coordinate transport to your chosen funeral home.
- At home: A funeral home or the local coroner may come to collect your loved one.
- A sudden or unexpected passing: The coroner or medical examiner's office may need to be involved first to determine the cause of death before releasing the body.
Your Action Timeline
1
Within 24 Hours
Notify the Right People and Arrange Transport
Contact emergency services or medical staff to pronounce the death. Reach out to your chosen funeral home to arrange transport. Let immediate family members and the estate executor know what has happened.
2
First Few Days
Choose a Funeral Home and Order Death Certificates
Your funeral home will help handle paperwork and arrangements. Ask them to request certified death certificates on your behalf, or contact the Vital Records Office in your state. Order at least 8 to 12 copies since you will need them for insurance, banking, and legal matters.
3
When You Are Ready
Call Luminary Life to Start Your Claim
There is no deadline to call us. When you feel ready, give us a call at (877) 800-0450. We will answer your questions, walk you through the process, and point you in the right direction for next steps.
4
After Filing
Watch for Updates and Receive Your Benefit
Once the insurer has everything they need, most claims are processed within 2 to 6 weeks. The insurer will reach out if they need anything additional from you.
Who Should You Call First?
It helps to have a simple order in mind. Here is who to contact and when:
- Medical Professionals or Emergency Services. A death must be officially pronounced before anything else can move forward. Call 911, the hospital, or your loved one's hospice nurse.
- Your Chosen Funeral Home or Mortuary. They will coordinate the transport of your loved one and help you begin making arrangements.
- Close Family Members and the Estate Executor. Let the people who need to know find out from you, when you are ready. There is no rush on this call.
- Luminary Life at (877) 800-0450. Call us when you feel ready to start the claims process. We are here to help, answer questions, and guide you through whatever comes next. You do not have to figure this out alone.
The days following a loss can feel overwhelming. You do not have to navigate them alone.
How To File a Claim With Luminary Life
We want to make this as easy as possible for you. Here is what the process looks like from start to finish:
- Call us at (877) 800-0450. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your next steps. Depending on the situation, we may direct you to the insurance carrier directly or help you get in touch with them together.
- Receive your claim form. The carrier will send you a claim form. Email is the fastest option, but mail and fax are available too. Fill it out as completely as you can.
- Submit the completed form along with a certified death certificate. Send both to the insurer. It is a good idea to keep copies of everything you send, just for your own records.
Once the insurer has your completed claim form and death certificate, most claims are paid within 2 to 6 weeks. Submitting everything correctly the first time is the best way to avoid any delays.
A Simple Checklist To Keep You on Track
Use this as a helpful reference. You do not need to do everything at once. Take it one phase at a time.
Within 24 Hours
Contact emergency services or medical staff to officially pronounce the death. Then reach out to your chosen funeral home to arrange transport. Let close family members and the estate executor know what has happened.
First Few Days
Work with your funeral home to finalize arrangements. Ask them to request certified death certificates, or request them yourself through your state's Vital Records Office. Order at least 8 to 12 certified copies, since banks, insurance companies, and legal processes will each require one.
When You Are Ready
Call Luminary Life at (877) 800-0450. We will help you understand your options and guide you through starting the claim. Complete your claim form and submit it to the insurer along with a certified death certificate. Keep a copy of everything for yourself.
After Filing
Keep an eye on your mail and email for any communication from the insurer. Most claims are processed within 2 to 6 weeks. Once approved, the death benefit will be paid directly to you as a tax-free lump sum to use however you need.
How To Get a Death Certificate
You will need at least one certified death certificate to file your insurance claim, and likely several more for banks, legal matters, and other accounts. Here is how to get them:
- Your funeral home will usually handle this for you as part of their services. Just ask them how many copies they are ordering and request that they get at least 8 to 12.
- If you need additional copies later, you can request them through the Vital Records Office in your state.
- It is much easier to order extra copies now than to go back for more later. When in doubt, order more than you think you will need.
Questions We Hear Most Often
How long does it take to receive the death benefit?
Once the insurer has the completed claim form and a certified death certificate, most claims are paid within 2 to 6 weeks. If the insurer needs anything additional, they will contact you directly. Submitting complete, accurate paperwork the first time around is the best way to keep things moving smoothly.
What if I cannot find the policy information?
Do not worry. Call Luminary Life at (877) 800-0450 and give us the insured's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number if you have it. We can look into the policy and help you figure out what to do next.
Can the death benefit be used for things besides the funeral?
Yes, absolutely. The benefit is paid as a tax-free lump sum and can be used however you see fit. Many families use it to cover funeral costs, medical bills, or other expenses that come up after a loss. Any amount left over stays with you.
What is the fastest way to get the claim form?
Email is the quickest option. When you call us or the insurance carrier, just let them know you would prefer the form by email and they will send it right away. Mail and fax are also available if you prefer.
Can someone with power of attorney file the claim for me?
Power of attorney does not usually allow someone else to sign insurance claim forms or speak on behalf of the beneficiary. Each insurance company handles this a little differently. If you have a family member helping you through this process, give us a call and we will do our best to help sort out the right path forward.