Benefits Plans - Group Life Insurance: Retiree Group Term Life Insurance -
How Benefits Are Paid
What happens to my life insurance when I die?
If you should die while your insurance is in force, regardless of how, when, or where death occurs, the full amount of your insurance will be paid to your beneficiaries when the Benefits Office receives written proof of your death. A certified copy of the death certificate is required.
How will the insurance proceeds be paid?
The beneficiary may choose a lump-sum payment. Beneficiaries of active University employees can open an interest-bearing checking account immediately when the claim is processed, in lieu of a lump-sum distribution.
When will payment be made to my beneficiary?
Payment to your beneficiary will be made within five business days after all documentation is received by MetLife. Whenever there is a claim, your family, beneficiary, or other designated person should notify the Benefits Office immediately.
Does the plan offer an accelerated payment of death benefits or "Living Needs Benefit" option and how does it work?
The accelerated payment of death benefit or "Living Needs Benefit" option is an advance payment of life insurance proceeds for terminally ill persons and is available under this plan. Under this option, staff members whose life expectancy is six months or less may receive, in advance, up to 50%, with a maximum of $100,000 payable, of life insurance benefits that would otherwise be payable only at death. For example, if you have a $4,000 benefit, $2,000 could be used as a "Living Needs Benefit." The minimum amount payable under this option is $1,000. Participants can choose to have the benefit paid out in one lump sum or six equal monthly payments. How the money is used is at the discretion of the insured. Benefits not paid in advance remain payable to the named beneficiaries.
The University of Michigan in its sole discretion may modify, amend, or terminate the benefits provided with respect to any individual receiving benefits, including active employees, retirees, and their dependents. Although the university has elected to provide these benefits this year, no individual has a vested right to any of the benefits provided. Nothing in these materials gives any individual the right to continued benefits beyond the time the university modifies, amends, or terminates the benefit. Anyone seeking or accepting any of the benefits provided will be deemed to have accepted the terms of the benefits programs and the university's right to modify, amend or terminate them.