Annuity claims are paid after the Company ensures:

• You are the true beneficiary
• The contract is current and in force
• That all conditions of the contract have been met

Required documents

When filing a claim, these documents are necessary:

• Copy of death certificate- with cause and manner of death

• W-9 Form completed and signed by the Beneficiary

One of the following Claim Election forms:

• Lump Sum Distribution
  • The Beneficiary receives their portion of the claim proceeds as a check
• Investment Edge Series Spousal Continuation Option
  • The Sole Spousal Beneficiary is continuing the contract
• Investment Edge Series - Spousal Rollover Acknowledgement Form
  • The Spousal Beneficiary is opening a new contract with EQH or funding an existing one
• Spousal Rollover Form for Non-Qualified Contracts
  • The spousal beneficiary is opening a new contract with EQH or funding an existing one.
• Investment Edge Inherited IRA BCO post 1_1_2020
  • The Beneficiary is electing to defer payment over their lifetime or 10 years

• Investment Edge Series - Inherited Annuity Beneficiary Continuation Option (BCO) for NQ Election Form
  • The Beneficiary is electing to defer payment over their lifetime or 5 years 

Additional documents

Not all options are available to all beneficiaries. Depending on your personal situation, these additional documents may be necessary:

• EQH Certification of Trust Form
  • Used to identify the trustee, beneficiary, and TIN of the trust, required if the beneficiary is a trust 
• W-4R Form (Optional)
  • Used to elect additional Federal Withholding

Please note:  All Forms above are the most requested claim options.  Please refer to the Checklist for additional details.

• Beneficiary Guide Checklist: A guide for all Claim options

Return all documents to: 

Regular Mail

Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company
Retirement Service Solutions
P.O. Box 1016
Charlotte, NC 28201-1016

Express Mail

Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company
Retirement Service Solutions
8501 IBM Dr. Suite 150-IR 
Charlotte, NC 28262-4333

Email: rss_beneclaims@equitable.com

Fax: 816-701-8040

You may also request these forms be e-mailed or mailed to you by calling:

• Our toll-free number (800) 789-7771, Monday through Thursday, 8:30am - 7:00pm and Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm ET
• The contract holder’s Financial Professional

If you need assistance at any time, we recommend that you check with your Financial Professional or contact the customer service area applicable to your situation.

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