Tips for Choosing a Beneficiary for Your Life Insurance Policy

What is a Beneficiary?

Your beneficiary is an individual, trust, or entity that you declare to receive the financial aspects of your estate and life insurance policy. The recipient is the person who is legally entitled to receive funds after your passing. Here are some tips from our JC Demo Insurance Group experts in Matthews, NC.

Tips For Selecting a Beneficiary

Selecting a beneficiary is a serious and personal decision and is different for every person. In some situations, you might want to have your death benefits help loved ones financially. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a beneficiary.

Insurable Interest

The person you name as your beneficiary must have an insurable interest or be financially dependent on you. This can be a spouse or child as long as they have a legitimate financial interest in you.

Age Qualifications

Many insurance providers won’t pay out benefits to individuals under the age of 18. However, a trust can be created for minors to hold the funds and manage the account until the age you specify in your policy is reached.

Ability to Manage Finances

To be eligible properly, your beneficiary must be able to handle and manage finances. If they are not of an age where they can handle this, establish a trust and dictate a trustee to disburse and invest funds on their behalf.

Have a Contingency

Should your primary beneficiary pass away before you do, be sure to name a secondary beneficiary, known as a contingency. This allows the secondary individual to claim the policy without having to go through probate.

Get Your Arrangements in Order Today

While planning these details can seem challenging, it is essential to consider your beneficiary. If you need guidance or a life insurance policy, contact us at JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC.