A small step that can make a big difference
Naming a beneficiary helps ensure your benefits are directed to the right person or cause—without undue delays or confusion.
Steps to designate your beneficiary:
- Sign in to the Manulife Plan Member Site with your Manulife ID
- Go directly to the Administration Forms page
- Open and complete the Beneficiary Designation form
- Submit the completed form
*Access to your online beneficiary form may vary depending on your employer’s group benefits plan design.
Did you know
Members often forget to update their beneficiary after significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Reviewing your designation regularly can help keep your plan up-to-date.
Frequently asked questions
A beneficiary is a person or entity (such as a trust or charity) that is entitled to receive a benefit. This could include a family member, friend, charity, or your estate.
In the context of your Manulife group benefits plan, it refers to the person or entity who would receive your basic and, if applicable, optional life insurance, as well as Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits.
You have options when it comes to naming beneficiaries. You can select:
- A person: This could be your spouse, child, parent, sibling, relative, or even a friend.
- A charity: You can leave your benefits to any charitable organization you prefer.
- A trustee: This is an individual or entity that oversees someone else’s assets or benefits.
- Your estate: This includes all your assets and liabilities when you pass away.
By naming your beneficiaries in advance, you may be able to bypass probate and help ensure your loved ones receive the benefits as quickly and easily as possible. Probate is a legal process that can be drawn-out, expensive, and open to the public. Naming your beneficiaries is one of the most effective ways to protect your family's financial future and provide them with peace of mind during a difficult time.
A primary beneficiary is the first person or entity in line to receive your benefits. A contingent beneficiary is a backup—someone who could receive the benefits only if the primary beneficiary is unable to.
A revocable beneficiary can be changed at any time without their knowledge or consent. An irrevocable beneficiary requires written permission before any changes can be made to their designation.
Yes. You can name multiple beneficiaries and assign a percentage to each. Just make sure the total adds up to 100%.
Log in to the Plan Member site using your Manulife ID and submit a new Beneficiary Designation form. Written consent from the beneficiary is needed if your current beneficiary is irrevocable.
Related reading
Optional life insurance for group members
Your group benefits plan may offer you Optional Life Insurance options at discounted group rates to help you better prepare for life’s unpredictable moments.
Name your beneficiary of life insurance today
There's few limits around whom you can name. But ensure your choices are up-to-date and align with your wishes.
Understanding probate and wills
An introduction to this important legal process.
This publication is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, financial, tax or other advice, for which individuals should seek appropriate professional advice.