Security Benefit Life Insurance Company provides life insurance and retirement related products across the United States. While many claims are paid after the required documents are submitted, some beneficiaries encounter delays, extended investigations, or outright denials when they attempt to collect the death benefit.
A denied Security Benefit life insurance claim can come as a shock to families who believed the policy would provide financial protection after the death of a loved one. In many cases the denial is based on the insurer’s interpretation of the application, underwriting file, or policy conditions.
Attorney Christian Lassen represents beneficiaries nationwide in disputes involving denied and delayed life insurance claims.
Why Security Benefit May Refuse to Pay a Claim
Insurance companies rely on contract language contained in the policy and the application submitted when coverage began. Several issues frequently appear in disputes involving Security Benefit life insurance claims.
Underwriting disputes after death
After a claim is filed, the insurer may revisit the underwriting process that occurred when the policy was issued. If the company believes relevant medical or lifestyle information was omitted, it may attempt to rescind the policy.
Disagreements about policy status
In some disputes the insurer claims the policy was not active when the insured died. These disputes can involve missed premium payments, billing errors, or administrative processing problems.
Questions about beneficiary designations
When more than one person claims the benefit or when the beneficiary form is unclear, the insurer may delay payment until the issue is resolved. In some cases the company may place the proceeds into court through an interpleader action so a judge can determine the proper recipient.
Documentation disputes
Security Benefit may also argue that required documentation was incomplete or that the claimant failed to provide information requested during the claim review process.
How the Claim Review Process Works
When Security Benefit receives notice of a death, the company typically opens a claim file and begins reviewing the policy and the information submitted by the beneficiary.
The review may include:
Verification of the policy and beneficiary designation
Collection of medical records from treating physicians
Review of prescription drug histories
Evaluation of the death certificate and medical examiner reports
Analysis of the original insurance application
The company uses this information to determine whether the policy terms support payment of the claim.
When a Claim Is Delayed Instead of Denied
Not every dispute results in an immediate denial. Some beneficiaries experience months of requests for records while the insurer states that the claim remains under review.
Extended delays may occur when the company is attempting to determine whether the policy can be rescinded or whether an exclusion applies. Reviewing the policy language and the insurer’s requests can help clarify the reason for the delay.
Records That Can Help Challenge a Denial
A beneficiary has the right to request information about how the insurer evaluated the claim. Access to the full claim file often reveals whether the denial was based on questionable conclusions.
Important records to request include:
The complete life insurance policy and all amendments
The application signed by the insured
Underwriting notes created when the policy was issued
Internal claim review documents
All communications regarding the claim investigation
These documents may reveal inconsistencies between the insurer’s denial letter and the evidence contained in the claim file.
Legal Help With Security Benefit Life Insurance Disputes
Life insurance claim disputes often involve complex questions about policy interpretation and underwriting practices. Many beneficiaries do not realize that denial decisions can be challenged through appeals or litigation.
The Lassen Law Firm focuses exclusively on life insurance disputes nationwide. Attorney Christian Lassen has more than 25 years of experience representing beneficiaries in denied and delayed life insurance claims.
If Security Benefit Life Insurance Company has denied or delayed payment of a claim, legal review can help determine whether the insurer’s decision can be contested.