When it comes to planning for the unexpected, one of the simplest and most meaningful steps you can take is designating beneficiaries for your financial and insurance benefits.

As a King County employee, you have life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, a deferred compensation plan, and a state retirement plan. Keeping your beneficiary information up to date for these benefits ensures that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

If you haven’t reviewed your beneficiary information recently, consider setting aside a few minutes to check and update each plan to:

• Ensure your benefits go exactly where you intend. Without a designated beneficiary, certain benefits may be delayed, distributed according to default rules, or even require legal processes to settle. Taking a few minutes now prevents potential confusion or hardship later.
• Remove unnecessary stress for the people who matter most to you. Losing a loved one is already incredibly difficult. Clear and accurate beneficiary designations spare your family from complicated paperwork and guesswork during an emotional time.
• Keep pace with life changes. Marriages, divorces, new family members, or changes in financial priorities can impact whom you want to receive your benefits. Reviewing your designations regularly ensures they reflect your current wishes.

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