What Happens to Your Principal Financial Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Type
401(k) & Group Insurance
Urgency
Immediate — retirement & insurance claims
Phone
1-800-986-3343
Products
401(k), life insurance, disability
Step-by-Step Guide
Call Principal to report the death
Call 1-800-986-3343 to report the death. Principal handles both retirement plans and group insurance, so one call can initiate claims for multiple products. Have the deceased's SSN and employer information ready.
Estimated time: Immediately
File retirement plan claim
If the deceased had a 401(k) or other retirement plan with Principal, request the death benefit claim forms. Submit with a certified death certificate and your identification. Beneficiary designations on file will determine the claimant.
Estimated time: 1-2 weeks
File group life insurance claim
If the employer provided group life insurance through Principal, file a separate claim. The employer's HR department can confirm coverage amounts and help initiate the claim. Group life insurance proceeds are generally tax-free.
Review all Principal products
Ask Principal to search for all accounts under the deceased's SSN, including any individual policies or annuities beyond employer-sponsored plans. Employers sometimes offer multiple products through Principal.
Estimated time: 2-4 weeks
Document Now Checklist
- Employer name
- Principal account number(s)
- Plan name
- Balance (approx)
- Group life insurance coverage amount
- Beneficiary designations
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Principal Financial. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Workday
Contact the deceased's employer HR department first — they coordinate most of these benefits and can provide contact information for each plan administrator.
ADP
Contact the deceased's employer HR department first — they coordinate most of these benefits and can provide contact information for each plan administrator.
Paychex
Contact the deceased's employer HR department first — they coordinate most of these benefits and can provide contact information for each plan administrator.
Protect your Principal Financial account — and all your others
Document your digital life in a zero-knowledge encrypted vault. 1,800+ platform guides. Dead Man's Switch. Everything your family needs.
Start your free trial →