What Happens to Your MassMutual Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Type
Life Insurance & Retirement
Urgency
Immediate — insurance & retirement claims
Phone
1-800-272-2216
Products
Life insurance, 401(k), annuities
Step-by-Step Guide
Call MassMutual to report the death
Call 1-800-272-2216 to report the death. MassMutual handles both life insurance and employer retirement plans. Have the deceased's SSN, policy/account numbers, and your identification ready. The representative will guide you through the claims for each product.
Estimated time: Immediately
File life insurance death benefit claim
If the deceased had a MassMutual life insurance policy (individual or employer-provided), file the death benefit claim. Submit the claim form, a certified death certificate, and the beneficiary's identification. Life insurance proceeds are generally tax-free to beneficiaries.
Estimated time: 1-2 weeks
File retirement plan claim
For employer-sponsored 401(k) or pension plans administered by MassMutual, file a separate death benefit claim. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts override the will. Submit required documents to the retirement claims department.
Review all MassMutual products
Ask MassMutual to search for any additional accounts or policies under the deceased's SSN, including annuities, whole life policies with cash value, or supplemental coverage. Some policies may have been purchased years ago and forgotten.
Estimated time: 2-4 weeks
Document Now Checklist
- Employer name
- Life insurance policy number
- Coverage amount
- Retirement account number
- Balance (approx)
- Beneficiary designations
- MassMutual login email
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with MassMutual. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Contact the deceased's employer HR department first — they coordinate most of these benefits and can provide contact information for each plan administrator.
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