Participating in
Group Life Insurance

Naming a Beneficiary

When you enroll for coverage, you will be asked to designate a Beneficiary(ies). In order for a benefit to be paid to your chosen Beneficiary, you must have a signed written designation on file with the University. You can choose one or more beneficiaries and contingent beneficiaries. Benefits are paid in equal shares, unless you indicate otherwise.

For example, let’s assume your spouse is your primary Beneficiary, and your children are equal contingent Beneficiaries. When you die, your spouse receives all of your benefits. If your spouse dies before you, your children would receive equal shares of your benefits.

If you don't have a Beneficiary, or if none of your beneficiaries are alive when you die, your benefits will be paid to the executor of your estate or any one or more of your surviving relatives (a spouse, child, parent, brother or sister) at the discretion of the insurance company.

You may change your Beneficiary at any time by completing a change of Beneficiary designation form and submitting it to the Benefits Office. The change will take effect on the date you signed the form. Always make sure you update your Beneficiary designation form any time you have a change in your marital or family status. You should not rely on a separation agreement or divorce decree to protect your intentions.

While this Summary Plan Description summarizes the major provisions of this plan, it does not provide you with every plan detail. The plan documents, which govern this plan, provide full details. If there are any discrepancies between this Summary Plan Description and the legal plan documents, the legal plan documents control.