BULLETIN No.  01- LG- 003- 10/2

October 2, 2001

TO:   All Licensed Life Insurers, Fraternal Benefit Societies, Employee Welfare Funds, Retirement Systems, Governmental Supplemental Annuity Funds, and Reinsurers (Insurers)

RE:   Use of Alternative Evidence in Lieu of a Death Certificate with Respect to Life Insurance Claims Arising Out of the September 11 Disasters in New York City, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania

The tremendous loss of life on September 11th and the difficult circumstances surrounding such loss, are likely to result in a delay in the ability to obtain death certificates. Normally, Insurers rely on a death certificate when processing claims. Under the present circumstances, however, it is clear that a more expeditious method of certification of death must be developed in order to streamline the payment of needed benefits to family members and other designated beneficiaries.

With respect to death claims arising out of the disasters that occurred in New York City, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001, all Insurers must accept reasonable alternative evidence of death in lieu of a death certificate  if such certificate is not available, such as a fully executed affidavit.