A Step-by-Step Guide to the Death Benefit Claims Process

The claims process begins with notifying the fund of the member's death. This is the first and most critical step. Once notified, the Board of Trustees begins its investigation. This investigation is not a delay but a legal requirement to ensure a fair distribution.

Step 1: Notification: The fund must be notified of the member's death as soon as possible.
Step 2: Submission of Documents: The beneficiary must submit all the required documents (which your AI agent will assist with) to the fund.
Step 3: The 12-Month Investigation Period: The Board is legally obligated to conduct a thorough search for all dependents and nominated beneficiaries for a period of up to 12 months from the date of death. This timeframe allows the Board to gather all necessary information to make an informed and equitable decision. This ensures that even unknown dependents, such as minor children, are not overlooked. The AI agent will help manage expectations regarding this timeline.