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.
Before the process can begin, we'll need you to provide some documentation as outlined below for verification purposes. Please understand that we are not able to provide any information until we receive the required information and confirm that you are the beneficiary.
How to submit a request for distribution
If you are the beneficiary of a participant’s account, you’ll need to mail us a copy of the following:
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 are the spouse and it's not on the death certificate)
A copy of your birth certificate (if you are the child)
If there are multiple beneficiaries, documentation for each beneficiary can be mailed together and only one death certificate needs to be included.
You can send these documents to our office at the following address:
Guideline, Inc.
Attn: Customer Success
1412 Chapin Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010
Please notify our Participant Support team once these documents are mailed. When we receive your information, a Guideline support representative will review the documents and confirm your beneficiary status. We will then share the beneficiary distribution form with you via DocuSign.
If it is determined that you are not the beneficiary of the account, we will not be able to provide any information regarding the plan.
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 Guideline.
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 Guideline, 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.