How to Change a Beneficiary on a Life Insurance Policy

May 11, 2022
*Updated March 9th, 2026

Life insurance protects the people you leave behind upon your policyholder’s passing. Because of this, you must name a beneficiary—the person or individual or entity that will receive your life insurance benefits when the insured dies.

If you fail to make a beneficiary designation, the life insurance proceeds may become part of your estate and enter probate. That means the insurance proceeds could be distributed according to court decisions rather than your personal wishes. To prevent this, it’s important to choose a beneficiary and keep your beneficiary information current.

But what happens if circumstances change? Many life events—such as marriage or the birth of a child, divorce, or the birth of a child—may require beneficiary changes. Fortunately, in most cases a life insurance beneficiary can be changed by following a few simple steps.

Contact Your Life Insurance Company

If you want to change the beneficiary on your life policy, the first step is to contact your life insurance company or insurer. Most insurance companies will ask the policyholder to complete a designation form or beneficiary form to officially record the change of beneficiary.

Because this change affects who has the right to the proceeds, the request usually cannot be done verbally. Instead, you must complete a paper form or submit a completed form online depending on the insurance program.

When filling out the designation form, make sure you:

  • Clearly designate the new beneficiary on your life insurance

  • Provide accurate social security numbers

  • Include complete beneficiary information

  • Follow all requirements in the policy contract

Some insurers may require two witnesses who must witness the designation of beneficiary before the update is finalized. Once approved, the changes you make will determine who can receive the proceeds or receive your life insurance benefits in the event of your death.

These processes are typically available in all states, although some insurers may have different documentation requirements available in New York or other jurisdictions. If you are unsure, contact your local agent or contact your state insurance department.

Irrevocable Beneficiary Designation

Before you change beneficiaries, it’s important to check whether your life insurance policies include an irrevocable beneficiary designation.

With an irrevocable beneficiary, the designated beneficiary must approve any making changes to the designation. This means you cannot simply change a beneficiary without their consent.

For example, an ex-spouse or former spouse might have been listed as an irrevocable beneficiary as part of a divorce settlement. In this situation, the policyholder must obtain permission before completing the change of beneficiary.

If you are unsure whether your term life insurance, whole life insurance, or other life insurance plan allows changes, reach out to your life insurance companies representative for guidance.

Adding Multiple Life Insurance Beneficiaries

Rather than only replacing a beneficiary, many policyholders choose to add multiple beneficiaries to their life insurance coverage.

There are several types of beneficiaries, including:

  • Primary beneficiaries – the person first in line to receive the death benefit

  • Contingent beneficiaries or secondary beneficiary – the person who receives the proceeds of the policy if the primary beneficiary passes away

For example:

If John is listed as your primary beneficiary and he passes away before you, the insurance proceeds would normally go to your estate. But if you also listed Mary as a secondary beneficiary, she would automatically receive the proceeds.

This approach to naming your beneficiaries ensures your wishes are honored at the time of your death and helps prevent unnecessary probate.

Some policies may also allow you to specifically state percentages for multiple beneficiaries, ensuring the life insurance benefits are divided as intended.

Can a Life Insurance Beneficiary Be Changed After Death?

In most cases, a life insurance beneficiary cannot be changed after death. Once the policyholder’s death occurs, the beneficiary designation listed in the policy contract determines who has the right to the proceeds.

The life insurance death benefit is then paid out by the insurer. Typically, the designated beneficiary must file a claim and may receive the lump-sum payment once the insurer verifies the claim.

Changing a beneficiary after death usually only occurs in rare cases such as:

  • A beneficiary dispute

  • Fraud allegations

  • Legal challenges to the designation of beneficiary

Otherwise, the life insurance companies are legally required to pay benefits according to the recorded beneficiary designation.

Group Life Insurance and Employer Insurance Programs

If your coverage comes from group life insurance through an employer, the process for beneficiary changes may be slightly different.

With group life coverage, updates are often handled through your employer’s benefits portal or HR department. You may still need to complete a designation form to officially designate a new beneficiary.

Because group life insurance is tied to an employer insurance program, you should review your beneficiary information whenever you change jobs or update your benefits.

Other Policies With Beneficiary Designations

In addition to life insurance policies, other financial products like an annuity may also require a beneficiary designation.

Similar rules typically apply: the designated beneficiary receives the proceeds of the policy after the policyholder’s passing, and updates require a formal designation form.

When Should You Update Your Beneficiary?

You should review your beneficiary information whenever major life events occur.

Common reasons to update your beneficiary include:

  • Divorce

  • Marriage or the birth of a child

  • Birth of a child

  • A former spouse remaining on your policy

  • Changes in financial responsibilities

  • A beneficiary passes away

Failing to change your life insurance after these events could result in the wrong person receiving your life insurance proceeds.

Keeping your beneficiary designation current helps ensure the right people receive your life insurance benefits and your financial plans remain intact.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your life insurance beneficiary information up to date is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. A simple change of beneficiary ensures the correct person receives the death benefit and that your life insurance coverage works as intended.

Review your life insurance policies regularly and make updates whenever life events occur. Taking a few minutes to update your beneficiary today can prevent legal complications and ensure your loved ones receive the financial protection you intended.

If you need help reviewing your life insurance plan or making beneficiary changes, contact your insurance agent to discuss your options.