Popular Beneficiary Designations
A married woman should be designated by her first name, middle initial, and last name. For example, Mary J. Smith, not Mrs. Thomas A. Smith
If your beneficiary is not related to you by blood or marriage, "business associate," "partner," or other economic relationship should be inserted; otherwise, insert "non-relative."
- One beneficiary only:
Mary J. Smith, wife
- Two or more beneficiaries, equal amounts:
William S. Smith, father, Alice C. Smith, sister, and Richard B. Smith, brother, equally or to the survivors equally, or to the survivor
- Unequal amounts:
50% to Mary J. Smith, wife, and 25% each to Alice C. Smith, sister, and Richard B. Smith, brother, the share of any deceased beneficiary to be paid in equal shares to the survivors, or to the survivor
- Primary and contingent beneficiary:
Mary J. Smith, wife, if living; otherwise the children born of the marriage of the insured to Mary J. Smith, equally, or equally to the survivors, or to the survivor
- Trustee beneficiary:
The Trust Company of Smith, Illinois, as trustee under a Trust Instrument dated December 29, 1967