My husband and I paid on a group Life Insurance policy with SAMBA for 22 (twenty two) years. When my husband passed I filed the proper paperwork to claim my husband’s benefits only to be told that I was not the beneficiary. Knowing that I would not receive retirement or health benefits upon his death this life insurance money was to help provide for my future and my well being.
I immediately asked them to reexamine my husband’s file (non-electronic) and retrieve MY beneficiary form (which had obviously been overlooked). My pleas, phone calls and letter was ignored by SAMBA and Prudential Insurance (underwriter). I hired lawyers (depleting the last of my savings already drained during my husband’s illness). I contacted Senators (from two different states) and Representatives to no avail. (SAMBA is not a Federal organization).
I had to sell my home immediately, moving within 6 months of his passing and moving 2 more times in the next couple of years. I had no income so I have had to sell everything of value to live on. My biggest heartbreak (on top of losing my husband) was the need to find a home for my two beloved horses that were a very important part of my (our) life for 25 years. They were the vital force of my equestrian career.
Although I am an educated woman I have not been able to find a decent paying job. I am 65 and work for a little over minimum wage. I have no future retirement means so, I have no idea how I will support myself when I can no longer work at my present job.
My daughter requested her father’s records, through the Freedom of Information Act, several years ago but has yet to receive them.
I’ll never forget the message left on my answering machine only a couple of months after my loss. “Ms Wilder I want to inform you that we will no longer discuss your husband’s policy with you for you are not the beneficiary. HAVE A NICE DAY.” Devastation upon devastation knocked me to my knees, literally.
To this day, I have no idea what the amount of the policy was worth even though I / we paid the premium for all those years. All this pain and hardship for me and my family could/would have been prevented if only SAMBA would have taken a second look at my husband’s file and retrieved MY beneficiary form. A simple phone call or memo, I would imagine.
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