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Life Insurance Basics
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What is a beneficiary?
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What is a beneficiary?
What is a beneficiary?

A beneficiary is a person or trust designated as the recipient of the policy proceeds after the death of the insured. The beneficiary submits a claim to the life insurance company for the policy proceeds. You, as the policy owner, can decide who to designate as your beneficiary (or beneficiaries).

Related Questions
Do I need life
insurance?
If you’re married, have children or dependents, own a home, or own a business—you probably do.
What kind of life insurance do I
need?
It depends on your situation. You’ll need to understand your coverage needs to decide which type of policy is right.
Which term length is right for
me?
It can depend on several factors, including your children’s age, your proximity to retirement, and your mortgage.
What is life
insurance?
You make payments to a life insurance company, and they give your loved ones a payout if you pass away.
What is a death benefit? Is it
taxed?
The lump-sum payment your beneficiary receives if you pass away. Generally, it’s not taxed.
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©2026 Ethos Technologies Inc. ("Ethos") Ethos operates in some states as Ethos Life Insurance Services. CA license #0L28949; AR license #100164629. Ethos offers policies issued by the carriers listed at Our Life Insurance Carriers | Ethos Life. Products and their features may not be available in all states. Ethos provides its online wills, trusts, and estate planning documents and services through Ethos Estate Planning, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary. Ethos Estate Planning, LLC is not a law firm and does not provide financial, investment, legal, accounting or tax advice. Complimentary W&T services offered through the perks rider not available in WA and SD; W&T services not available in AK and LA.