Claims

Funeral Claim Documents: What You Need

TLDR

Every claim needs a completed claim form, the BI-1663, the deceased’s certified death certificate and ID, and the beneficiary’s certified ID. If your claim includes a cash payout, add a bank confirmation letter. If the death was accidental, you may also need a police report. Check that every copy is certified and readable before you submit.

The Documents You Need to Make a Funeral Claim

Losing someone you love turns your world upside down. In the days that follow, paperwork is the last thing anyone wants to think about, yet the right documents are what get your claim moving. At 21st Century Funeral Services, we want this part to be simple. This guide covers what you need, why each document matters and how to avoid the delays that catch families off guard.

Documents Needed for Every Claim

Whether you’re claiming a cash payout or burying with us, start with these five:

A completed claim form. This is the starting point of your claim. You can get it from any of our branches, and our team will help you fill it in.
A certified copy of the death certificate. This confirms that the death has been officially registered and gives us the key details about the deceased.
A certified copy of the deceased’s ID. This confirms the identity of the person who was covered by the policy.
A certified copy of the beneficiary’s ID. If the claim is for an extended family member, we need the main member’s ID instead.
The BI-1663 Notification of Death form. This is the official notification of death, and no claim can be processed without it.

Extra Document for a Cash Payout

If your claim includes a cash payout, you’ll also need a bank confirmation letter for the beneficiary. It confirms the account the money should go into, so the payout lands in the right place without delay. If you’re burying with us, you can skip this one. We take care of the funeral arrangements directly, so there’s one less thing on your list.

If the Death Was Accidental

For an accidental death, you may also need a completed police report form. Ask our team early so it doesn’t hold up your claim.

Simple Ways to Avoid Delays

Make sure every copy is certified and every detail is easy to read.
Check that the names match across all your documents.
Gather everything before you come in, so we can process your claim in one go.

Missing or unclear documents are the most common reason claims slow down. A five-minute check now can save you days later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to questions about our services, cover, payments, and MyPrestige Rewards.

What documents do I need to make a funeral claim?

A completed claim form, the BI-1663, a certified death certificate, and certified copies of the deceased’s and beneficiary’s IDs. A cash payout also needs a bank confirmation letter.

What do I need if I’m burying with 21st Century Funeral Services?

The same documents, minus the bank confirmation letter, because we handle the funeral arrangements directly.

What is a BI-1663?

It’s the official Notification of Death form, and it’s required for every claim.

Whose ID do I need if the claim is for an extended family member?

The main member’s certified ID, along with the deceased’s.

When can I make a claim?

After the 3-month waiting period. For an accidental death, a claim can be considered after one paid premium, and a police report form may be required.

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