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FAQs: Claims
- Where do I get Life Insurance Claim Forms?
- How long will it take to process Premium Waiver, Accelerated Benefits Option and Death Benefit claims?
- Who do I call for the status of my claim?
- What is the Accelerated Benefits Option?
- Will my Accelerated Benefit or Death Benefit payments be subject to federal income taxes?
- Are my spouse and/or dependent children eligible for the Accelerated Benefits Option?
- Will my allotment be the same after receiving an Accelerated Benefits payment?
- If I am paid an Accelerated Benefit and do not die, will I need to repay the amount I received?
- What is Premium Waiver?
- Is the Premium Waiver feature included in the coverage for my spouse and/or dependent children?
- How do I file a claim for Premium Waiver if I also have FEDERAL FIRST long term disability coverage?
Where can I get Life Insurance Claim Forms?
Under the FEDERAL FIRST Voluntary Term Life Insurance Program, underwritten by MetLife, there are three different types of claims that can be made.
The three types of claims that can be made are: Premium Waiver, Accelerated Benefits and Death Benefit. You can obtain forms and instructions by
- Contacting the FEDERAL FIRST Service Center via email here
- Calling the FEDERAL FIRST Service Center at: 1-800-233-0438
- Obtaining forms from Forms Download.
How long will it take to process Premium Waiver, Accelerated Benefits and Death Benefit claims?
Once MetLife receives all necessary completed forms and information, processing the claim will take
- 10 business days for a Premium Waiver claim.
- 5 business days for an Accelerated Benefits claim.
- 5 business days for Death Benefit claim.
Who do I contact for the status of my claim?
If you have filed a claim and have a question on the status of your claim, contact
For Premium Waiver Claims
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
P.O. Box 14401
Lexington, KY 40512-4401
Toll Free Number: 1-800-243-8786
For Accelerated Benefits Option and Death Benefit Claims
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
P.O. Box 14401
Lexington, KY 40512-4401
Toll Free Number: 1-800-ASK-4MET (1-800-275-4638)
What is the Accelerated Benefits Option?
Accelerated Benefits Option is often referred to as a living benefit. It can provide an early payment of up to 75% of your in-force voluntary term life insurance coverage prior to your death if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
The maximum payment under an ADB is $375,000. The minimum payment is $5,000. The benefit is payable in a lump sum.
Will my Accelerated Benefits or Death Benefit payments be subject to federal income taxes?
We recommend you and your family members/beneficiaries speak with your tax consultant or attorney to determine the consequences of an Accelerated Benefits and/or Death Benefit payments.
Are my spouse and/or dependent children eligible for the Accelerated Benefits Option under their coverage?
No, your spouse and/or dependent children are not eligible.
Will my allotments be the same after an Accelerated Benefits payment is received?
Upon receiving your Accelerated Benefits, the allotments due will be reduced and calculated based on your remaining coverage amount.
If I am paid Accelerated Benefits and do not die, will I need to repay the benefit amount?
You will not need to repay the benefit that you have received. The coverage amount of your policy will be reduced by the amount already paid to you.
What is Premium Waiver?
When you are not able to work due to a permanent and total disability, you may be eligible to continue your term life insurance coverage continued without making premium payments. MetLife must approve the premium waiver claim before premiums are waived.
To be eligible for premium waiver, you as the covered employee must meet these conditions:
- Your term life insurance must be inforce when you become totally disabled;
- You leave work due to the disease or injury that causes the total disability before your age 60;
- The permanent and total disability must last at least nine months; and
- You must furnish MetLife with proof to support the claim when requested during the first two years after the premium waiver was approved. After that. You need to provide MetLife with proof once a year. Premium waiver will stop on the earlier of the date you recover or reach age 65.
If you are eligible for premium waiver benefits, a notice of the claim must be given to MetLife not more than 12 months from the date you last worked. If notice is received after 12 months, it will be treated as late and your claim will be denied. You must continue to pay all premiums on your life insurance policy until your claim for Premium Waiver is approved.
Is the Premium Waiver feature included in the coverage for my spouse and/or dependent children?
No, the premium waiver feature is not included under the spouse and dependent children coverage. It is only included under the employee’s voluntary term life insurance coverage.
How do I file a claim for Premium Waiver if I also have FEDERAL FIRST Long Term Disability (LTD) coverage?
If you have coverage under the FEDERAL FIRST Long Term Disability Insurance Program, also underwritten by MetLife, MetLife will use your Long Term Disability Claim information to determine if you are eligible for Premium Waiver. MetLife will review the information and will give you notice of the decision. MetLife will also advise the FEDERAL FIRST Service Center of the decision.
