Losing a loved one is overwhelming, and dealing with paperwork can feel like a lot. In Canada, Sun Life has a clear process to help you file a life insurance claim and receive the benefits you’re entitled to as smoothly as possible. This guide walks you through each step, what to expect, and how to make the process easier.

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Understanding Sun Life life insurance claims in Canada

Sun Life has been serving Canadians for more than 150 years. Today, it offers life insurance products designed to provide financial support when someone passes away. A life insurance claim is the formal request you make to Sun Life to receive the death benefit from a policy after the insured person dies.

In most cases, the beneficiary (or beneficiaries) named on the policy is responsible for filing the claim. If there’s no named beneficiary, or if the beneficiary has also passed away, the estate may need to submit the claim.

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Step 1: Gather the key information and documents

Before you contact Sun Life, it helps to gather some basic information and documents so your claim can be processed more efficiently.

Common information and documents include:

• Policy details
  • Policy number (if available)
  • Full name of the insured person
  • Date of birth of the insured person
• Death details
  • Date of death
  • Place of death (city/province, country)
  • Cause of death (if known)
• Beneficiary information
  • Your full legal name
  • Relationship to the deceased
  • Contact information (address, phone, email)
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN), if requested
• Supporting documents
  • Official death certificate (or a certified copy)
  • Proof of identity for the beneficiary (government-issued ID)
  • Any other documents requested by Sun Life (e.g., medical reports or coroner’s report in certain cases)

If you can’t find the policy number, Sun Life may still be able to locate the policy using the insured person’s full name, date of birth, and other personal details.

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Step 2: Notify Sun Life of the death

The next step is to inform Sun Life that the insured person has passed away. You can typically do this in one of several ways:

• By phone
  Call Sun Life’s customer service within Canada using the life insurance claims or client service number listed on your policy documents, statements, or on the Sun Life Canada website.

• Online (where available)
  Some policies may allow you to start the claim process or request a callback through secure online services or client portals.

• Through an advisor
  If the policy was purchased through a Sun Life advisor, you can contact them directly. They can explain your options and help you submit the claim.

When you notify Sun Life, a representative will outline the next steps, confirm what documentation is needed for your specific situation, and provide the appropriate claim forms.

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Step 3: Complete the Sun Life life insurance claim forms

Sun Life will provide you with the required claim forms. These can sometimes be sent by mail, email, or accessed online, depending on the type of policy and available services.

Typical forms may include:

• Claimant’s Statement (Beneficiary Statement)
  You provide:

  • Your personal details and contact information
  • Your relationship to the deceased
  • Banking details if you choose direct deposit (where available)
  • Information about the death (date, place, circumstances)

• Physician’s/Attending Doctor’s Statement (if required)
  A doctor or medical professional may need to complete this form to confirm the cause and details of the death, especially for non-accidental deaths or when the policy is relatively new.

• Additional forms for special situations

  • If the beneficiary is a minor, there may be extra documentation related to guardianship or trusts.
  • If the estate is the beneficiary, documents such as probate or estate appointment paperwork may be needed.
  • If the death occurred outside Canada, additional documentation from local authorities may be requested.

Take your time to complete the forms accurately. Missing or incorrect information can delay processing.

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Step 4: Submit your claim and supporting documents

Once the forms are completed and you’ve gathered all required documentation, submit them to Sun Life as instructed. Common submission methods include:

• By mail
  Send your forms and copies of requested documents to the mailing address provided on the claim forms or by the Sun Life representative. Where originals are required (such as a death certificate), follow the instructions carefully.

• Secure upload or online submission (if available)
  For certain policies or claim types, Sun Life may offer secure digital submission. This can speed up both delivery and processing.

• Through your advisor
  Your Sun Life advisor may be able to collect your documents and submit them on your behalf.

Keep copies of everything you send, including completed forms and certificates, for your records.

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Step 5: Sun Life reviews and processes your claim

After Sun Life receives your claim package, they will review:

• The policy details (including if the policy is in force and up to date)
• The beneficiary designations
• The cause and circumstances of death
• All submitted documents and forms

If additional information is required, Sun Life will contact you (or your advisor) to request more details or documents. This might include:

• Additional medical records
• Police or coroner reports (for accidental or sudden deaths)
• Estate documentation, where applicable

Processing times can vary based on:

• The complexity of the claim
• How quickly required documents are received
• Whether the death occurred in Canada or abroad

Sun Life aims to process straightforward, complete claims as quickly as possible. If timing is a concern, ask the representative or your advisor for a general timeframe for your specific case.

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Step 6: Receiving the life insurance benefit

Once the claim is approved, Sun Life will pay the death benefit to the beneficiary (or beneficiaries) named in the policy.

Common payment options include:

• Lump-sum payment
  The full benefit is paid at once, often by direct deposit or cheque.

• Other options (depending on policy and availability)
  Some policies may allow structured or installment options, or other financial arrangements. A Sun Life representative or advisor can explain what’s available in your situation.

You should receive a confirmation outlining:

• The amount paid
• The method and date of payment
• Any applicable details about taxes or reporting (in Canada, most life insurance death benefits are generally paid tax-free to a named beneficiary, but speak with a tax professional for guidance specific to your circumstances).

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Special situations that may affect a Sun Life claim in Canada

Certain circumstances can change how you file a Sun Life life insurance claim in Canada or how long it takes:

• No named beneficiary
  If no beneficiary is named or all beneficiaries have passed away, the benefit may be payable to the insured person’s estate. In that case, the estate representative (executor or administrator) usually handles the claim.

• Multiple beneficiaries
  If more than one beneficiary is named, the claim may require information from each beneficiary, and the benefit will be paid according to the policy’s instructions (for example, equal shares or specific percentages).

• Contingent beneficiaries
  If the primary beneficiary has passed away, the contingent (secondary) beneficiary may be next in line. Sun Life will check the policy’s beneficiary designations.

• Deaths within the contestability period
  If the death occurs shortly after the policy is issued (often within the first two years), Sun Life may review the original application and medical information more closely before approving the claim.

• Accidental death or special riders
  If the policy includes additional coverage (such as accidental death benefits), Sun Life may require extra documentation, and the benefit amount may be higher than the base life insurance amount.

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How an advisor can help with your Sun Life life insurance claim

Sun Life advisors work with clients across Canada and can be a valuable resource during the claims process. An advisor can:

• Help you locate policy details and beneficiary information
• Explain what documents you need and how to complete the forms
• Submit documents to Sun Life on your behalf
• Answer questions about the benefit amount and payment options
• Help you plan how to use the lump sum or other payments for your financial needs

If the policy was purchased through a workplace plan or group benefits arrangement, the employer’s benefits administrator may also help you get started and connect you with Sun Life.

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Tips to make filing a Sun Life life insurance claim easier

When you’re learning how to file a Sun Life life insurance claim in Canada, a few practical steps can reduce stress and avoid delays:

• Start the process as soon as you can
  You don’t need every document in hand to notify Sun Life. Early notification lets them guide you on what’s required.

• Organize your documents
  Keep all forms, certificates, and correspondence in one place. Note dates and who you spoke with at Sun Life.

• Check for other Sun Life coverage
  The deceased may have had multiple Sun Life products, such as group life through an employer and individual life insurance. Ask Sun Life or your advisor to confirm all applicable policies.

• Ask questions
  If any part of the claim forms or process is unclear, contact Sun Life or your advisor. It’s better to clarify details up front than to risk delays later.

• Consider professional advice
  For larger benefits or complex estates, consulting a financial advisor, accountant, or lawyer can help you handle the money and paperwork wisely.

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FAQs about filing a Sun Life life insurance claim in Canada

Who can file a life insurance claim with Sun Life?
Generally, the named beneficiary files the claim. If there is no beneficiary, the executor or administrator of the estate typically submits the claim.

How long do I have to file the claim?
It’s best to file as soon as reasonably possible after the death. While there may not be an immediate deadline, waiting too long can complicate the process. Sun Life can explain any time-related considerations for your policy.

How long does it take to get paid once I file?
For complete, straightforward claims, Sun Life aims to process payments promptly. More complex claims or those requiring extra documentation can take longer. A representative can give an estimate based on your situation.

Do I need the original death certificate?
Sun Life will tell you whether they require an original, a certified copy, or if a photocopy is acceptable. Requirements can vary by policy and province.

Will I pay tax on the life insurance benefit?
In Canada, life insurance death benefits are generally paid tax-free to a named individual beneficiary. However, there may be exceptions or related tax considerations, especially if the benefit is paid to an estate. Speak with a tax professional for advice tailored to your situation.

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Next steps

If you’re ready to begin the process of filing a Sun Life life insurance claim in Canada:

1. Gather basic information about the insured person and the policy.
2. Contact Sun Life through their customer service, secure online channels (if available), or your advisor.
3. Complete and submit the claim forms and documents as instructed.
4. Stay in touch with Sun Life or your advisor for updates on your claim.

Sun Life has been trusted by Canadians for generations, and its claims process is designed to help you access the support the policy was created to provide—so you can focus on what matters most during a difficult time.