Using a Death Certificate to Claim Life Insurance

In the days after a death, life can feel like two separate realities happening at once. In one reality, you are grieving—trying to sleep, trying to eat, trying to remember how to do ordinary things when someone important is no longer here. In the other reality, paperwork arrives quickly and asks you to be organized, precise, and calm. Few documents sit at the center of that second reality more than the death certificate.

If you are searching for death certificate for life insurance claim guidance, you are likely trying to do something very practical: access the financial support your loved one intended for you, so you can cover immediate expenses and begin to stabilize what comes next. And if you are also making decisions about cremation or a memorial—choosing an urn, deciding whether you will be keeping ashes at home, or trying to understand how much does cremation cost—it can feel like every decision depends on the same small stack of documents.

This guide walks you through how death certificates work in life insurance claims, how many to request, and how to avoid common delays. Along the way, we’ll also connect the paperwork to the choices families often face at the same time—funeral planning, paying for arrangements, and choosing meaningful memorial options like cremation urns, pet urns, and cremation jewelry.

Why the death certificate matters in a life insurance claim

A death certificate is more than a form. It is the legal record that allows banks, insurers, government agencies, and other institutions to act. Most life insurance companies require proof of death before they can release benefits, and a certified copy of the death certificate is the most common “proof” they accept.

In the United States, the process for ordering certified copies varies by state, but the general pathway is consistent: the death is registered where it occurred, and certified copies are issued through the state or local vital records office. USA.gov provides a clear overview of how families can request death certificates and why multiple certified copies are often needed. For a state-by-state directory of where to request records, the CDC’s “Where to Write for Vital Records” resource is a reliable starting point.

One detail that trips families up is the difference between a “copy” and a “certified copy.” A certified copy typically includes an official seal and is accepted for legal and financial transactions. A photocopy of a death certificate might be enough for some tasks, but many insurers and institutions require certified copies. If you have any doubt, assume “certified” is the safer choice and confirm directly with the insurer before you mail anything.

How to use a death certificate for a life insurance claim

Most life insurance claims follow a similar rhythm, even though the actual forms and online portals differ by company. First, you notify the insurer and request a claim packet (or log into the insurer’s claim portal). Then you submit the claim form and the required documents. After that, the insurer verifies the policy, beneficiary information, and the details of the death, and then issues payment.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, claiming life insurance benefits generally requires filing a claim and providing a copy of the death certificate. That sounds straightforward on paper, but the lived experience is that the claim goes fastest when your documents are consistent and complete.

If it helps to think of this as a “packet,” here are the items families are most commonly asked to provide:

• A completed claim form from the insurer (online or paper).
• A certified copy of the death certificate (or whatever type the insurer specifies).
• Proof of identity for the beneficiary (requirements vary by insurer).
• Policy details, if you have them (policy number, employer group benefits info, agent name).

If you cannot find the policy, you are not alone. Sometimes coverage exists through an employer, a union, a bank, or a long-held policy with paperwork tucked away. The NAIC also points families toward tools that can help locate missing policies. Even when those tools are helpful, they can take time—so if you are also managing immediate bills, it can be wise to continue planning as if the claim will take weeks, not days.

Because every insurer’s procedures are different, one practical question to ask at the beginning is: “Do you need an original certified death certificate, or will you accept a certified copy scanned and uploaded?” If you submit online, you may still be asked to mail a certified copy later. Clarifying this early can prevent delays that feel especially painful when you are already juggling grief and deadlines.

How many death certificates should you order?

This is one of the most common questions families ask, and it’s a smart one—because ordering too few often creates extra stress later. Many institutions require an original certified copy, and you may be handling multiple accounts at once: life insurance, retirement benefits, vehicle title transfers, banking, and more.

Rather than guessing, it helps to base your number on your real-life needs. If there is a life insurance claim, assume at least one certified copy will be needed for that claim. If there are multiple beneficiaries filing separately, more than one copy may be needed at the same time. If you are unsure, Funeral.com’s practical guide Death Certificates: How Many to Request (and Why) walks through the scenarios that typically drive the number.

The second helpful point is emotional, not logistical: ordering extra copies can feel like an unpleasant expense, but it often reduces the number of “administrative emergencies” you face later. You do not need to solve everything in the first week, but you do deserve to avoid preventable slowdowns.

Common reasons life insurance claims get delayed

Most delays are not about families doing something “wrong.” They usually happen when the insurer needs clarification. Still, knowing the common friction points can help you protect your time and energy.

One frequent issue is inconsistencies in names or dates. If the policy lists a middle initial and the claim form does not, or the beneficiary’s current legal name differs from what is on the policy, the insurer may ask for additional documentation. Another issue is missing beneficiary designations or disputes among beneficiaries. And sometimes, claims take longer when the insurer must complete additional review, especially if the death occurred soon after the policy was issued or in circumstances that require more documentation.

If you are managing several “first-week” tasks at once, it can help to anchor yourself with a calm order of operations. Funeral.com’s The First Week After a Death is written for exactly this moment—when you need a steady sequence, not more pressure.

Life insurance, funeral planning, and the timing gap

One reason life insurance feels urgent is that bills come due quickly. Many families are surprised to learn that even when a policy is valid and the beneficiary is clear, payment is not always immediate. That timing gap matters if you are planning a funeral or cremation service now.

Some families pay for arrangements upfront and reimburse themselves once the claim is paid. Others explore whether the policy can be used to pay a provider directly. If you are considering that approach, Funeral.com’s guide Assigning Life Insurance to Pay a Funeral Home explains how assignments work and what to watch for so you don’t accidentally create additional delays.

Costs matter here, too, and families deserve real numbers—not vague estimates. On the National Funeral Directors Association statistics page, NFDA reports national median cost benchmarks, including a 2023 national median cost for a funeral with viewing and cremation. That number is not a price quote for your area, but it is a helpful reality check when you are asking how much does cremation cost and trying to make decisions that align with your budget.

If you want a more detailed, consumer-friendly walkthrough of pricing and what affects it, Funeral.com’s Average Funeral and Cremation Costs Today guide can help you compare options without feeling overwhelmed.

When cremation is part of the plan, memorial choices often follow quickly

Even when your main focus is a life insurance claim, cremation decisions often unfold alongside the paperwork. This is partly because cremation is now the majority choice in the U.S., which means many families are receiving cremated remains and then deciding what comes next.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the U.S. cremation rate was projected to be 63.4% in 2025. The Cremation Association of North America reports a U.S. cremation rate of 61.8% in 2024, along with projections for the years ahead. As cremation becomes more common, families are increasingly navigating choices like what to do with ashes, whether they are keeping ashes at home, planning a ceremony later, or dividing remains among loved ones.

Choosing cremation urns for ashes without feeling rushed

Most families do not set out to “shop” for an urn. The decision arrives when a crematory returns remains in a temporary container, or when a family member asks, gently, what the plan is. If you want a broad starting point, Funeral.com’s cremation urns for ashes collection gives you a way to compare materials and styles without pressure.

The first practical distinction is between a primary urn and a shared or secondary container. A primary urn is meant to hold the majority of remains. Shared options are meant to hold a portion, so multiple people can have a connection that feels personal.

If you need help translating “urn listings” into real life—what materials mean, how capacity works, and where an urn is typically placed—Funeral.com’s guide How to Choose a Cremation Urn is designed for families who want clarity without sales pressure.

For smaller spaces, or for a meaningful portion that will live in a second household, small cremation urns can be a practical and discreet option. And when the emotional need is “shared remembrance,” not “one final location,” keepsake urns are designed specifically to hold a small portion for a child, sibling, or close friend.

Cremation jewelry and the comfort of something close

Some people want a memorial that travels with them. That is often the moment families consider cremation jewelry. Pieces like cremation necklaces hold a tiny, symbolic amount—usually a pinch—so they work best as part of a broader plan, not as the only plan. Many families keep most remains in an urn and use jewelry as a steady, personal keepsake for everyday life.

If you are new to memorial jewelry and want practical guidance on what it holds, how it is filled, and what to look for in closures, Funeral.com’s Cremation Jewelry 101 guide can help you choose a piece you’ll actually feel comfortable wearing.

Keeping ashes at home is more common than many families realize

For many families, the most comforting first plan is simply to keep the urn at home. It can feel grounding to have a quiet place to sit, remember, and talk. It also gives you time—especially if you are waiting for family members to travel, or if you are not ready to decide on a permanent placement.

NFDA’s research also suggests this preference is widespread; in the same broader context of cremation and memorialization trends, NFDA notes that a meaningful portion of people prefer their remains to be kept in an urn at home. You can explore those broader findings through the NFDA cremation and burial report coverage.

If you’re considering keeping ashes at home and want practical guidance about placement, household comfort, and basic legal considerations, Funeral.com’s Keeping Ashes at Home guide is a calm resource written for real households with children, pets, visitors, and differing opinions.

Pet urns, pet cremation urns, and honoring a beloved companion

Not every life insurance claim is connected to human loss—sometimes families are also grieving a beloved pet, or navigating multiple losses close together. And the grief of losing a pet is real grief, even when the world expects you to “move on” quickly.

If you are choosing pet urns, the question is often both practical and personal: what size do I need, and what will feel like them? Funeral.com’s pet urns for ashes collection (including pet cremation urns) offers a range of styles meant to honor different kinds of companions and different home environments.

Some families are drawn to a sculptural memorial that reflects a pet’s personality. That’s where pet figurine cremation urns can feel especially meaningful. Others want a shared plan—one main urn and smaller containers for family members—which is why pet keepsake cremation urns exist.

If sizing feels confusing, you are not alone. Funeral.com’s guide Choosing the Right Urn for Pet Ashes walks through the basics in plain language so you can choose with confidence, not guesswork.

Water burial, scattering at sea, and what to do with ashes over time

Sometimes the question isn’t “Which urn?” It’s “Where should they go?” Or, even more quietly, “What do we do now that we have the ashes?” If you are looking for what to do with ashes ideas that don’t push you into a single “right answer,” Funeral.com’s What to Do With Cremation Ashes guide is designed to give you options that can evolve over time.

For families drawn to the symbolism of water, water burial or scattering at sea can be deeply meaningful. It also comes with real rules. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains burial-at-sea requirements for cremated human remains, including distance-from-shore guidance and a post-ceremony notification requirement. If you want the practical differences between a water burial ceremony and scattering at sea—especially as they relate to containers, timing, and planning—Funeral.com’s Water Burial vs. Scattering at Sea guide can help you decide without feeling rushed.

A final word: paperwork is not the measure of your love

If you are in the middle of a claim, it is normal to feel impatient with documents. It is also normal to feel strangely tender toward them—because the death certificate represents both finality and the beginning of responsibility. Try to keep this in mind: the purpose of the paperwork is to reduce financial strain and give your family room to breathe. The goal is not perfection. The goal is steady progress.

Start with the essentials—submitting a complete life insurance claim and ordering enough certified death certificates. Then give yourself permission to make memorial decisions at a human pace. Whether you choose a primary urn from the cremation urns for ashes collection, share remembrance through keepsake urns, or keep a small connection close through cremation jewelry, the “right” choice is the one that your family can live with—safely, respectfully, and with less pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions