AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company launched its new onlinebeneficiary resource center, which offers the forms, tools, andguidance for beneficiaries and financial professionals to file alife insurance or annuity claim. The site also serves as a portalfor information, checklists, and contacts to supportbeneficiaries.

"At AXA Equitable we believe the claim process should be simpleand straightforward," says Mary Beth Farrell, executive vicepresident and chief service officer. "Beneficiaries should expectand receive available, attentive, and reliable service, with 24/7access to the information they need."

The new resource center not only makes the claim process moremanageable but also brings beneficiaries closer to the informationthey need to address immediate and long-term issues that requiretheir attention, according to Farrell.

Visitors can find customer service contacts by product type anda list of offices by region, so beneficiaries who requireadditional assistance or advice know who to call. Visitors also cansubmit online requests for follow-up contact from a local financialadvisor.

The site, which is located at www.axa-equitable.com/beneficiary,features sections arranged according to beneficiary needs at eachstage following a loss:

o Filing a Claim–Beneficiaries are guided on how to choose thecorrect claim form and gather additional documentation, ifrequired, for their particular situation. Beneficiaries candownload the claim forms to complete, print, and save online. Theyalso can find answers to frequently asked questions about lifeinsurance and annuities.

o What to Do After a Loss–Arranged according to thebeneficiaries' stages of need–from the first few days following aloss through the first year–this section offers checklists,notification letter templates, and general guidance to helpbeneficiaries prioritize and keep track of the legal and personalissues that will need their attention. The list includes contactingcreditors and Social Security, changing names on joint property,and establishing or reviewing financial plans.

o The Family Love Letter–Beneficiaries can download andpersonalize an estate planning tool that covers crucial issuesbeyond a traditional will, such as establishing a guardian forchildren; declaring wishes regarding medical treatment; andcompiling financial and legal documents, contact information, andaccount access details.