Last verified 2026-08-18; facts checked against the primary sources below
John Hancock life insurance death claim
Last verified: August 18, 2026
The short answer: Report the death online or call John Hancock at 888-887-2739, weekdays 8 AM–6 PM ET. An individual U.S. beneficiary may qualify for a paperless Express Claim when the benefit is under $100,000 per beneficiary, death occurred in the U.S., the policy is more than two years old, and the beneficiary is neither a minor nor an entity.
John Hancock claim routes at a glance
| Situation | Published route |
|---|---|
| Standard life claim | Online report, claim package, and supporting documents |
| Express Claim | Qualifying individual beneficiary under published limits |
| Estate beneficiary | Claim form, estate tax ID, and court appointment |
| Trust or entity | Entity section and role-specific evidence |
| Telephone help | 888-887-2739 |
How do you start the claim?
Use John Hancock's Death Benefit Claims page. If the claim does not qualify for Express Claim, select the current state-specific package and submit it to the address shown there.
The published page warns not to submit a beneficiary claim form for the first death under a survivorship policy; only a notification may be required at that stage.
How does an estate claim?
John Hancock says an executor or administrator provides a court certificate of appointment, completes the form using the estate tax ID, and signs with the fiduciary title. Its current claim form also distinguishes a probated estate from a closed or non-probated estate that may use an accepted small-estate affidavit.
How can benefits be paid?
Published options include check, electronic funds transfer where eligible, or a Safe Access Account. Review interest, fees, withdrawal method, and insurance protections before choosing a retained-asset account.
John Hancock policy state, type, amount, and claimant status control the final process.