Once a policy is sold in a life settlement, the original beneficiaries are removed and no longer receive the death benefit. This is because the policy’s ownership transfers to the buyer, who becomes the new beneficiary for investment purposes.
This change is part of the closing process and is required for the buyer to take on future premium payments. For many seniors, this decision is acceptable because the policy is no longer needed for family protection, or because beneficiaries agree that selling the policy is in the policyholder’s best interest.
Some families discuss the decision together so everyone understands the benefits and tradeoffs. After the sale, neither you nor your beneficiaries are responsible for future premiums, and you receive your cash payout. The policy is fully transferred, along with all rights and responsibilities.