Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to frequently asked questions.
Company Information
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What is Brighthouse Financial, Inc.?
- Brighthouse Financial, Inc. is on a mission to help people achieve financial security. As one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S.,1 we specialize in products designed to help people protect what they’ve earned and ensure it lasts. We are built on a foundation of experience and knowledge, which allows us to keep our promises and provide the value they deserve.
- Learn more about our story.
- Brighthouse Financial, Inc. is on a mission to help people achieve financial security. As one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S.,1 we specialize in products designed to help people protect what they’ve earned and ensure it lasts. We are built on a foundation of experience and knowledge, which allows us to keep our promises and provide the value they deserve.
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When did Brighthouse Financial launch?
- Brighthouse Financial launched in 2017, although we trace our roots back to 1863.
- Learn more about our history.
- Brighthouse Financial launched in 2017, although we trace our roots back to 1863.
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Where is Brighthouse Financial located?
- Our operations are headquartered in Charlotte, NC. We also have offices in Morristown, NJ, and New York, NY.
- Our operations are headquartered in Charlotte, NC. We also have offices in Morristown, NJ, and New York, NY.
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Is Brighthouse Financial an independent company?
- Yes. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. spun off from MetLife, Inc. on August 4, 2017, through the distribution of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock to MetLife, Inc. shareholders. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. began trading as an independent company on the Nasdaq Stock Market on August 7, 2017, under the symbol “BHF.”
Learn more about our history.
- Yes. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. spun off from MetLife, Inc. on August 4, 2017, through the distribution of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock to MetLife, Inc. shareholders. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. began trading as an independent company on the Nasdaq Stock Market on August 7, 2017, under the symbol “BHF.”
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Why did Brighthouse Financial spin off from MetLife, Inc.?
- In January 2016, MetLife, Inc. announced that it was planning to spin off a substantial portion of its U.S. retail business. The spin-off, which was completed in August 2017, created an independent, publicly traded company named Brighthouse Financial, Inc.
- Brighthouse Financial is now one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S.1 As a separate company, Brighthouse Financial benefits from being a focused provider of annuity and life insurance products designed to help customers protect what they’ve earned and ensure it lasts.
Learn more about our history.
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What are the financial strength ratings for the operating companies of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.?²
Financial Strength Ratings as of January 2024:
- AM Best3 assigned an A financial strength rating (3rd highest of 16 ratings) to the operating companies of Brighthouse Financial.
- Fitch Ratings4 assigned an A insurer financial strength rating (6th highest of 19 ratings) to the Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and New England Life Insurance Company (NELICO) operating companies of Brighthouse Financial.
- Moody’s5 assigned an A3 insurance financial strength (7th highest of 21 ratings) rating to the Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and NELICO operating companies of Brighthouse Financial.
- S&P Global6 assigned an A+ insurer financial strength rating (5th highest of 22 ratings) to the operating companies of Brighthouse Financial.
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Which former MetLife, Inc. subsidiaries make up Brighthouse Financial?
- Entities that were separated from MetLife, Inc. and became subsidiaries of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. include:
- Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (formerly MetLife Insurance Company USA)
- Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (formerly First MetLife Investors Insurance Company)
- New England Life Insurance Company
- Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (formerly MetLife Insurance Company USA)
- Learn more about our history.
- Entities that were separated from MetLife, Inc. and became subsidiaries of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. include:
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What is the relationship between Brighthouse Financial and MetLife, Inc. today?
- Brighthouse Financial and MetLife, Inc. are two separate, publicly traded companies. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. has been an independent company since August 4, 2017, and has been listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “BHF” since August 7, 2017. In June 2018, MetLife, Inc. divested all of the minority ownership stake in Brighthouse Financial that it retained following the completion of the spin-off.
- Brighthouse Financial and MetLife, Inc. are two separate, publicly traded companies. Brighthouse Financial, Inc. has been an independent company since August 4, 2017, and has been listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “BHF” since August 7, 2017. In June 2018, MetLife, Inc. divested all of the minority ownership stake in Brighthouse Financial that it retained following the completion of the spin-off.
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How can I get information about my Brighthouse Financial stock?
- If you hold your shares through a broker, bank, or other financial institution, please contact that organization directly. Otherwise, if you have any questions or need assistance with your stockholder account (including tax forms), please contact Computershare Trust Company, N.A., the Brighthouse Financial stock transfer agent and registrar:
- Toll-free: (888) 670-4771 (U.S., U.S. territories, and Canada)
International: (781) 575-2921
Hearing impaired (TDD): (781) 575-4592
Email: web.queries@computershare.com
- If you hold your shares through a broker, bank, or other financial institution, please contact that organization directly. Otherwise, if you have any questions or need assistance with your stockholder account (including tax forms), please contact Computershare Trust Company, N.A., the Brighthouse Financial stock transfer agent and registrar:
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How do I buy or sell shares of Brighthouse Financial stock?
- Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “BHF.” For more information about Brighthouse Financial, Inc. securities, visit our Investor Relations page.
- Brighthouse Financial, Inc. common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “BHF.” For more information about Brighthouse Financial, Inc. securities, visit our Investor Relations page.
Online Account Access
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Why am I now receiving emails from Brighthouse regarding my life insurance policy?
- Brighthouse Financial recently enhanced communications for life insurance policies, allowing for paperless delivery. If you previously selected the electronic delivery preference, you will now receive email notifications for important policy documents including transaction confirmations, annual statements, and important notices. To change your preferences, please log in and update your preferences within Account Settings.
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Why do I have to register my account for the Online Servicing system?
- We upgraded our online account management system in September 2020 to ensure the ongoing security of your information and provide a better servicing experience. This upgrade requires that all users register their account.
For additional assistance, visit our Contact Us page.
- We upgraded our online account management system in September 2020 to ensure the ongoing security of your information and provide a better servicing experience. This upgrade requires that all users register their account.
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How do I register my account?
To get started:
- Select Log In at the top of this webpage.
- Select Create new login.
- Review the Terms of Use and select Customer.
- Enter your Social Security number, policy or contract number, last name, and date of birth, then select Access Account.
- Once your account has been located, enter a new username and password. Choose three security questions, provide the answers, and then select Next.
- Select I Consent to continue.
- A confirmation email will be sent to your email address. Use the link in the email to verify your account and log in.
For additional assistance, visit our Contact Us page. - Select Log In at the top of this webpage.
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How do I reset my password?
- To reset your password, select Log In at the top of this webpage, select Forgot Password?, and follow the prompts. Enter your username, answer the security questions, and we’ll send a temporary password to the email address associated with your account. Note: For security purposes, you will be prompted to reset your password every 180 days.
- For additional assistance, visit our Contact Us page.
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How do I recover my username?
- To recover your username, select Log In at the top of this webpage, select Forgot Username?, and follow the prompts. We’ll send your username to the email address associated with your account.
- For additional assistance, visit our Contact Us page.
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How do I run a report in the Online Servicing system?
- You can run a report logging in to your Online Servicing account. Once logged in, select a contract or policy you would like to view. Use the I want to drop-down menu to download select reports.
- For detailed instructions, view our Generating Reports How-To Guide.
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Who should I call if I can’t find the answer to my question regarding my online account?
- If you have additional questions relating to accessing information in your online account, please visit our Contact Us page.
- For additional support materials on Online Servicing, view our Online Servicing How-To Guides.
Contract and Policy Information
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What types of annuities and life insurance does Brighthouse Financial sell?
- Brighthouse Financial offers five main types of annuity products: index-linked, variable, fixed indexed, fixed, and income. Learn more about our annuity products.
- In addition, we offer protection solutions via the two main types of life insurance products: term and permanent. Learn more about our life insurance products.
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How can I buy a Brighthouse Financial product?
- Most Brighthouse Financial products are only available through a financial professional. Please contact a financial professional to find out how our products may help you meet your financial goals.
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How do I find a financial professional who sells Brighthouse Financial products?
- To find a financial professional who sells Brighthouse Financial products, you can:
- Use BrokerCheck by FINRA to search for one in your area
- Contact your financial institution and ask if they offer brokerage or financial advising services
- Use BrokerCheck by FINRA to search for one in your area
- To find a financial professional who sells Brighthouse Financial products, you can:
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How do I access my contract and/or policy online?
- You can access the details of your contract and/or policy by logging in to your Online Servicing account using your login credentials. Once logged in, you will see a list of your contracts/policies. Use the left sidebar to navigate to specific sections of each contract/policy.
- For detailed instructions, view our Policy How-To Guide.
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What if I want to convert, cancel, or make other changes to my contract or policy?
- Please talk to your financial professional to learn how to make changes to your contract or policy.
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Who can I call about my annuity contract and/or life insurance policy from Brighthouse Financial?
Annuity Customers
- Annuities: (800) 882-1292
- Group annuity products: (833) 208-3018
Life Insurance Customers- Life insurance products with policy numbers ending in BI, BLT, BLW, USU, USV, UT: (800) 882-1292
- Life insurance products with policy numbers ending in FM and US: (833) 208-3017
- Former New England Financial policies: (800) 388-4000
Other- Total Control Accounts: (800) 638-7283
- Disability policies: (844) 405-1390
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Where can I find current and renewal rates for Brighthouse Financial products?
- Current and renewal rates for Brighthouse Financial products can be found on our Rates page.
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Who should I contact if I have questions about submitting a payment or making a request?
To ensure your call is routed to the proper team, please check your most recent statement for the product type and contract/policy number, which may be referenced when you call.Annuity Customers
- Annuities: (800) 882-1292
- Group annuity products: (833) 208-3018
Life Insurance Customers- Life insurance products with policy numbers ending in BI, BLT, BLW, USU, USV, UT: (800) 882-1292
- Life insurance products with policy numbers ending in FM and US: (833) 208-3017
- Former New England Financial policies: (800) 388-4000
Other- Total Control Accounts: (800) 638-7283
- Disability policies: (844) 405-1390
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I haven’t received my annuity payment. What do I do?
- We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and frustration missing a payment can cause. We would like to help you resolve this issue.
- Please call us at (800) 882-1292, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET.
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Where can I find fund performance for a specific contract or rider?
- To find fund performance for our products, including contracts and riders, visit the Prospectus and Performance Reports page.
Forms, Claims, and Requests
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Where can I access forms to service my existing contract or policy?
Because we have a number of servicing forms (e.g., Name or Address Change, Beneficiary Change, Death Claim), please contact our Customer Service Center at the numbers below to obtain the appropriate form to complete your request.
To ensure your call is routed to the proper team, please check your most recent statement for the product type and contract/policy number, which may be referenced when you call.
Annuity Customers- Annuities: (800) 882-1292
- Group annuity products: (833) 208-3018
Life Insurance Customers- Life insurance products with policy numbers ending in BI, BLT, BLW, USU, USV, UT: (800) 882-1292
- Life insurance products with policy numbers ending in FM and US: (833) 208-3017
- Former New England Financial policies: (800) 388-4000
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Where can I send paperwork, including service requests, regarding my contract and/or policy?
You can submit requests via fax to (877) 246-8424. When faxing, please include the contract or policy owner’s name, phone number, and the contract/policy number.
You can mail paperwork and requests to:Standard Mail
In-force administration for non-variable contracts or policies (excluding New Business and Claims):
Brighthouse Financial
P.O. Box 4363
Clinton, IA 52733-4363All paperwork for variable contracts or policies:
Brighthouse Financial
P.O. Box 4301
Clinton, IA 52733-4301New Business:
Brighthouse Financial
P.O. Box 4362
Clinton, IA 52733-4362Claims:
Brighthouse Financial
P.O. Box 4364
Clinton, IA 52733-4364
Overnight Mail
Brighthouse Financial
1315 19th Ave NW
Clinton, IA 52732-2752
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How do I begin a systematic withdrawal program?
To request the necessary withdrawal request forms, please contact our Customer Service Center at the numbers below.
To ensure your call is routed to the proper team, please check your most recent statement for the product type and contract or policy number, which may be referenced when you call.
Annuity Customers- Annuities: (800) 882-1292
- Group annuity products: (833) 208-3018
Life Insurance Customers- Life insurance products with policy numbers ending in BI, BLT, BLW, USU, USV, UT: (800) 882-1292
- Life insurance products with policy numbers ending in US and FM: (833) 208-3017
- Former New England Financial policies: (800) 388-4000
Other- Total Control Accounts: (800) 638-7283
- Disability policies: (844) 405-1390
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How long does it take to process a fund transfer?
- Fund transfers generally take 5-7 business days to process and reflect on your Online Servicing account. All requests will be backdated to reflect the date the request was received in good order.
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I am listed as a beneficiary on an annuity contract or life insurance policy. How do I file a death claim?
- We are so sorry for your loss. To start a new death claim, visit our Contact Us page to ensure your call is routed to the proper team. Please check the most recent statement for the product type and contract/policy number, which may be referenced when you call. We will help you through this process once you get in contact with a representative.
1 Ranked by 2022 admitted assets. Best’s Review®: Top 200 U.S. Life/Health Insurers. AM Best, 2023. Brighthouse Financial and BHF are the trade names for Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY, and New England Life Insurance Company.
2 Ratings shown are as of January 2024. Operating entities collectively rated include Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY, and New England Life Insurance Company. Note: Moody’s and Fitch do not rate Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY. Note: Moody’s and Fitch do not rate Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY.
The information included herein regarding the rating agencies’ opinions relating to the operating companies of Brighthouse Financial are provided for your convenience only, with the consent of the rating agencies. The operating companies of Brighthouse Financial take no position on the criteria and methodologies employed by the rating agencies in arriving at their ratings or the conclusions of their analyses, and our providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement thereof. Ratings apply to the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the Brighthouse Financial operating companies and not the performance of any of their products.
3 AM Best’s Financial Strength Rating is an independent opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. A Financial Strength Rating is not assigned to specific insurance policies or contracts and does not address any other risk, including, but not limited to, an insurer’s claims-payment policies or procedures; the ability of the insurer to dispute or deny claims payment on grounds of misrepresentation or fraud; or any specific liability contractually borne by the policy or contract holder. A Financial Strength Rating is not a recommendation to purchase, hold, or terminate any insurance policy, contract or any other financial obligation issued by an insurer, nor does it address the suitability of any particular policy or contract, for a specific purpose or purchaser. Ratings explanations can be found at web.ambest.com.
4 Fitch’s Insurer Financial Strength Rating provides an assessment of the financial strength of an insurance organization. The Insurer Financial Strength Rating is assigned to the insurance company’s policyholder obligations, including assumed reinsurance obligations and contract holder obligations, such as guaranteed investment contracts. Ratings explanations can be found at www.fitchratings.com.
5 Moody’s Insurance Financial Strength Rating is an opinion of the ability of an insurance company to pay punctually senior policyholder claims and obligations and also reflect the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Specific obligations are considered unrated unless they are individually rated because the standing of a particular insurance obligation would depend on an assessment of its relative standing under those laws governing both the obligation and the insurance company. Ratings explanations can be found at www.moodys.com.
6 S&P Global Insurer Financial Strength Rating is a forward-looking opinion about the financial security characteristics of an insurance organization with respect to its ability to pay under its insurance policies and contracts in accordance with their terms. This opinion is not specific to any particular policy or contract, nor does it address the suitability of a particular policy or contract for a specific purpose or purchaser. Ratings explanations can be found at www.spglobal.com/ratings.