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If your loved one has passed away and you believe you might be a beneficiary on their life insurance policy, rest assured that there are many ways to find out. By doing some investigative work, you could receive the benefits that you might be entitled to. Let’s dive deeper into how unclaimed life insurance works and what you can do to locate a loved one’s policy.
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An unclaimed life insurance policy occurs when a policyholder passes away, and the named beneficiary doesn’t claim their payout or death benefit. This may be because the beneficiary forgets to file a claim, isn’t aware they’re a beneficiary, or becomes estranged from the policyholder. It might also be the result of inaccurate or incomplete information that makes it difficult for the insurer to track down the beneficiary.1
Each state has unique laws that dictate what happens to unclaimed life insurance payouts. In many cases, however, the proceeds of the life insurance policy plus any interest earned get sent over to the policyholder’s state after a certain number of years.2
Named beneficiaries can then collect their unclaimed payout via the state treasury. Since unclaimed property laws vary by state, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with how they work where you live.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedThere are several ways you can find an unclaimed life insurance policy, including:
Try contacting your state’s insurance department to find your loved one’s life insurance policy. Keep in mind that the policyholder may have purchased a policy in a different state than the one they passed away in, so remember to check any previous states the deceased has lived in.3
Did the deceased work with a financial professional, like an accountant, insurance agent, or financial planner? If so, you may want to reach out to them and ask if they have any knowledge of a life insurance policy. It’s also smart to check with your loved one’s former employers.3
There are several third-party companies that might be able to help you find an unclaimed life insurance policy. You can contact the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to find out if you’re owed any funds.2
The amount of time beneficiaries have to claim life insurance depends on state laws and the life insurance company itself. But typically, there is no time limit. Once a beneficiary files a claim, however, an insurance company typically takes 30 to 60 days to process it and distribute the payout.4
Policyholders should do their part to help prevent unclaimed life insurance money. If you’re covered by a life insurance policy, be sure to let your beneficiaries know. Share details with them about the policy, including the insurance company, policy number, and coverage number. Additionally, keep any life insurance documents in a secure place so that your loved ones may be able to access them when necessary.
Life insurance offers a way to help protect your family financially in the event that you unexpectedly pass away. But it won’t do you any good if your loved ones aren’t aware of your policy and don’t claim the payout. That’s why you should ensure loved ones know that they’re your named beneficiaries so they can receive the money.
If you’re in the market for a life insurance policy, consider term and whole life insurance from Aflac. Our policies come with enhanced, portable coverage that can help give you peace of mind. Start chatting with an agent and get a quote today to learn more.
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Life insurance with cash value lets you withdraw money to cover necessary expenses. Find out how cash value savings work and the types of insurance policies offered, including whole life insurance.
1 Insurance Information Institute – Unclaimed life insurance benefits. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.iii.org/article/unclaimed-life-insurance-benefits.
2 Policygenius - The Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act: What You Should Know. Updated February 8, 2024. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.policygenius.com/life-insurance/unclaimed-life-insurance-act/.
3 Bankrate - How to Track Unclaimed Life Insurance. Updated September 19, 2024. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/life-insurance/track-unclaimed-life-insurance/.
4 Investopedia - How Long Does a Beneficiary Have to Claim Life Insurance? Updated April 10, 2025. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.investopedia.com/how-long-does-a-beneficiary-have-to-claim-a-life-insurance-policy-5075605.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Aflac life plans – A68000 series: Term Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368200, ICC1368300, ICC1368400. In Delaware, Policies A68200, A68300 & A68400. In New York, Policies NY68200, NY68300 and NY68400. Whole Life Policies: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368100. In Delaware, Policy A68100. In New York, Policy NYR68100. B60000 series: In Arkansas, Oklahoma & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B60C10, ICC18B60100, ICC18B60200, ICC18B60300, & ICC18B60400. Not available in Delaware. Q60000 series/Whole: In Arkansas & Delaware, Policy Q60100M. In Idaho, Policy Q60100MID. In Oklahoma, Policy Q60100MOK. Not available in Virginia. Q60000 series/Term: In Delaware, Policies Q60200CM. In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Policies ICC18Q60200C, ICC18Q60300C, ICC18Q60400C. Not available in Virginia.
Aflac Final Expense insurance coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated and is administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
In AR, DE, ID, OK and VA: Policies ICC21-AFLLBL21 and ICC21-AFLRPL21; and Riders ICC21-AFLABR22, ICC21-AFLADB22, and ICC21-AFLCDR22. Aflac Final Expense policies are not available in New York. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations, and exclusions.
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Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, NY 12211
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