We’re so sorry to hear that one of our valued participants has passed away. We know this can be a tough time and want to ensure the distribution process is as simple as possible for beneficiaries.
While you may have access to the participant’s 401(k) account, please refrain from logging in to avoid security concerns that may result in the account being locked. Instead, follow the process below to initiate a distribution request.
We'll need you to provide some documentation for verification purposes. Please understand that we are not able to share any account details until we receive the required information and confirm that you are the beneficiary.
How to submit a request for distribution
If you believe you are the beneficiary of a participant’s account, follow these steps:
Contact Retirement support to request a secure file upload link.
Gather the required documents listed below.
Upload your documents using the secure link. All documents must be original color copies.
Notify support once your upload is complete so we know your documents are ready for review.
We review documents within 1–2 weeks of receiving your complete submission and will confirm whether you are the beneficiary.
If we confirm you are the beneficiary, we’ll send the beneficiary distribution form to you through DocuSign.
If we determine you are not the beneficiary, we won’t be able to share information about the account.
Documents you’ll need to provide:
A certified copy of the death certificate.
A color copy of your current government-issued ID, such as an unexpired passport, driver’s license, or state ID.
A copy of your marriage certificate, if you’re the spouse and it isn’t listed on the death certificate.
A copy of your birth certificate, if you’re the child.
If there are multiple beneficiaries, documentation for each beneficiary can be uploaded together, and only one death certificate is needed.
Trusts
If you’re a trust beneficiary or trustee, upload the first page of the fully executed trust using the secure file upload link.
When additional documentation may be required
Some beneficiaries will need to provide additional documentation to request a distribution.
Legal guardians for minor beneficiary
If a beneficiary is a minor, the deceased participant’s funds will be disbursed at the direction of the minor’s legal guardian. In this instance, along with the death certificate, we will likely need a birth certificate, certificate of guardianship, or adoption decree for the minor beneficiary.
Trusts
If you are a trust beneficiary or trustee, the first page of the fully executed trust must be mailed to Accrue.
Charities
If you represent a charity designated as the beneficiary of a participant’s account, you must provide the charity’s W-9 in order for us to disburse the participant’s funds.
Estate
If you are the executor of the participant’s estate, please contact us to determine what additional documentation may be needed.
What if I prefer to give up my rights to the inheritance?
You can choose to give up your rights to the retirement assets if you’d prefer not to receive them. However, you only have a certain amount of time to disclaim your interest.
Learn more about the required timeframe and process here.
What happens if there is no beneficiary?
If a beneficiary was not designated by a participant, then funds will be distributed according to the plan document. For plans at Accrue, the default beneficiary will be:
The surviving spouse
If there is no surviving spouse, then the participant’s children, in equal shares
If no surviving spouse or children, the participant’s parents, in equal shares
If none of the above, the participant’s estate
We're here to help you during this difficult time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Participant Support team for additional insights.