My Retirement Benefit FAQs
Transition to MetLife
What is happening to my benefit?
Your company transferred your benefit payment responsibility to MetLife. Going forward we will guarantee your benefit payment and manage all the services related to your benefit.1,2
Will I get something describing my benefits?
Yes. We will provide you with an annuity certificate describing your benefits. You’ll receive this certificate from us after we receive all the necessary information from your company. Your certificate may be sent several months following your first payment.
Will I notice any changes as a result of this transition?
No, there will be no changes to the timing or amount of your benefit payment.
Do I have to do anything to make sure my first payment is received?
No, but it’s important that you review the information provided in the welcome letter you received from us. Please call if any information appears incorrect.
Why was I sent two tax forms?
If the transition took place any day other than January 1st, you would receive two tax forms - one from us for benefits paid during the time we made payments to you, and one from your prior benefit payor.
Contacting MetLife
How do I reach MetLife if I have questions or concerns?
You can call us at 1-800-638-5656. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 9:00pm Eastern Time.
How can I access my benefit information online?
You can create a MyBenefits account to view and manage your benefit information.
If you already have an account for other MetLife benefits, you can add your benefit by logging in using your existing username and password. To add your benefit, select the ‘Don’t see all your policies?’ link. Then select ‘I obtained my policy/benefit through my employer, an association or a court ordered settlement’ and enter Retirement Income as your employer name when prompted.
IMPORTANT: If your company is still transitioning your benefit to us, you may not be able to see your account information. Try again after you receive your first payment.
How can I send in any forms or documents?
You can submit documents by:
Mail:
Retirement & Income Solutions
PO Box 14710
Lexington, KY 40512-4710
Fax:
1-866-855-2773
Email:
ARSDocuments@metlife.com
Managing My Benefit
What is this benefit?
This benefit is an annuity that your former employer purchased on your behalf. We are now responsible for the payments promised to you and for providing all services related to this benefit.1
Can I change my annuity?
No, your benefit is payable as guaranteed.2 You cannot change the terms of your annuity.
If I elected a Joint and Survivor Annuity, can I change the Survivor I originally chose?
No, you cannot make changes to the Survivor you named when you elected the Joint and Survivor Annuity, unless changes are permitted by the group annuity contract.
If I have direct deposit, will I receive a confirmation each month?
No, we do not mail monthly statements confirming direct deposit. For information about your payments, please register on MyBenefits.
Are there options for receiving my payment other than by check or direct deposit?
Not at this time.
How do I make common changes, including address, bank, tax withholding or beneficiary updates?
You can make most changes through your MyBenefits account or over the phone. If you’d like to add or update a beneficiary, you can complete and submit a Beneficiary designation form. For any other related questions, you can call us at 1-800-638-5656.
How do I update my marital status?
Please call us 1-800-638-5656 to report any updates to your personal information including divorce, remarriage or death of a spouse. Depending on your circumstances, we can determine any change to your benefit and advise if additional documentation is required.
When will I receive my annual tax form?
We send all 1099 tax forms yearly, post-marked by January 31st. If you need to request a replacement tax form, please call us at 1-800-638-5656.
How can I request a proof of income (income verification) letter?
You can call us at 1-800-638-5656 or submit an Income Verification Request form
Common Annuity Terms
What is an Annuity Certificate?
An annuity certificate is a document that summarizes the terms of the annuity payments purchased for you.
What is a Group Annuity Contract?
A group annuity contract is a type of insurance contract issued by an insurance company1 to a tax-qualified retirement plan which guarantees benefit payments to individuals covered under the contract.2 Annuity certificates are issued to the individuals under a group annuity contract. The certificate and other communications will include a contract number also referred to as Group Number.
What is an Annuitant?
An annuitant is an individual who’s entitled to an annuity benefit as evidenced by an annuity certificate. The term annuitant is used to describe the primary person who receives payments as well as a survivor who may receive payments under the terms of the annuity.
What is a Single Life Annuity?
Single Life Annuity means you will receive benefit payments for your lifetime only. Upon your death, benefit payments end. No benefits will be payable to a spouse or beneficiary.
What is a Joint and Survivor Annuity?
In a Joint and Survivor Annuity, benefits are payable as long as either you or your survivor is alive. When you die, your survivor, if living, will receive a percentage of the original benefit payment amount for their lifetime. If you elected this type of benefit, the person named as survivor cannot be changed after your benefit begins.
What is a Term Certain and Life Annuity?
In a Term Certain and Life Annuity, benefit payments are paid to you for your lifetime and are guaranteed for a specific period (Term Certain).2
- If you’re still living at the end of the guaranteed period, payments will continue for your lifetime only.
- If you die before the guaranteed period ends, your beneficiary will receive the remaining guaranteed payments.
- If you die after the guaranteed period ends, your beneficiary won't receive any benefits.
MetLife Ratings & Information
How can I get information about MetLife including financial strength and credit ratings?
Visit us at metlife.com/about-us.
How can I get information about MetLife Retirement and Income Solutions?
Learn more at metlife.com/retirement-and-income-solutions.
How are the MetLife insurance companies regulated?
Insurance companies are regulated by state law and are required to maintain enough capital to satisfy their financial obligations to their policyholders.