A: A quick overview of the claim process is outlined on the File a Death Claim page of this website.
A: You can contact our home office Service Center at 309-558-3088, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central).
A: We’ll ask you to share:
- The deceased’s name and certificate (policy) number, if known.
- Date of death.
- Your name, as the person reporting the claim, and your relationship to the deceased.
- Name and contact information of beneficiary(ies), if known.
A: Modern Woodmen requires you to submit:
- A certified death certificate (includes a colored or raised seal).
- A claimant statement, which we will send to you.
- Any additional requirements stated in a letter we will send to you.
Please note: You don’t need to return the original life insurance or annuity certificate to us.
A: To pay the claim, we require a certified (original) copy of the insured’s or annuitant’s death certificate. A certified copy has a colored or raised seal.
A: Contact our home office Service Center at 309-558-3077 or 800-447-9811. Once the claim has been reviewed, a service representative can further assist you.
Please note: If you are one of multiple beneficiaries, we can only release information about your share of the total amount of the claim. If applicable, we can release information about the entire benefit to the executor of the deceased’s estate.
A: Yes. To expedite your claim, you can fax your claimant statement and other documents to 309-793-5514 or email them to claim.department@modern-woodmen.org.
Please note: A certified (original) copy of the insured’s or annuitant’s death certificate (includes a colored or raised seal) will still need to be mailed to Modern Woodmen's Claim Department.
Modern Woodmen of America
Attention: Claim Department
1701 1st Avenue
P.O. Box 2005
Rock Island, IL 61204-2005
A: Yes. If the beneficiary wants Modern Woodmen to pay a portion of the proceeds directly to a funeral home to cover expenses, submit an Assignment of Life Insurance Proceeds form. Indicate the amount to be paid to the funeral home on this form. We will accept the funeral home’s version of the form, provided it is notarized. A copy of the funeral bill is necessary in the state of California.
A: You can receive payment as:
- A single check.
- Direct deposit into your bank account. You must submit the Request for Direct Deposit of Single Payment form. This form will be included in your claim packet.
- Another settlement option. Please speak with a Modern Woodmen financial representative to discuss these options. Or call our home office Service Center at 309-558-3077 or 800-447-9811.
A: Most claims process within 5-7 business days after we receive all the required documents. Beneficiaries usually receive payment shortly thereafter. Some claims may take longer.
A: Modern Woodmen pays interest to the beneficiary from the insured’s date of death until the date we pay the claim. If the amount is greater than $10, the interest may be taxable to the beneficiary.
A: Please send information to Modern Woodmen’s home office.
Modern Woodmen of America
Attention: Claim Department
1701 1st Avenue
P.O. Box 2005
Rock Island, IL 61204-2005