If a Loved One Dies

The death of a loved one can be an emotional and difficult time. As you navigate the emotions and practical aspects of losing a loved one, you should know that Pfizer offers resources to support you including access to a dedicated team of benefit specialists that can provide support in the event of a death of a loved one.

To Report the Death of a Loved One:

Call the Pfizer Benefits Center at 1-877-208-0950

When prompted, say “report a death.”

Take The Time That You Need

Under Pfizer’s Bereavement Leave, you may take up to 10 paid days for the death of an immediate family member, such as a parent, spouse or child or up to five paid days for the death of an extended family member, such as an aunt or uncle. If you need additional time, talk with your manager about other types of leave. Learn more about Leaves of Absence on Fuse.

For the loss of an unborn child or miscarriage:

If you are the birthing parent: You may apply for paid time off under the Pfizer Short-Term Disability Policy.

If you are the non-birthing parent: If you need to care for your spouse or partner who is the birthing parent, you may use paid time off under the Pfizer Caregiver Leave Policy.

Don’t Forget to Support Yourself

There are a variety of support programs available to you and your family including confidential mental health services through the Healthy Pfizer Living Program (use company code, Pfizer) which includes up to 8 sessions per covered family member at no cost. Review the mental health resources available to help you and your loved ones.

Notify the Pfizer Benefits Center and Pfizer Benefit Extras within 31 days of the date of death if your loved one was covered as an eligible dependent under your Pfizer benefits

If your loved one was a dependent enrolled in Pfizer medical, dental, vision, dependent life or accidental death and dismemberment insurance, you are required to remove them from coverage. You can do this by calling the Pfizer Benefits Center at 1-866-476-8723 and follow the Colleague Services prompt to Report a Death. A representative can also answer questions about eligible benefits.

Dependent Life and/or AD&D Insurance: If your loved one was enrolled in Pfizer dependent life and/or AD&D insurance coverage, you must submit a claim to the plan’s insurer. The Pfizer Benefits Center can help you begin this process. As part of this process, you will be asked to provide a copy of the death certificate.

Similarly, if you covered your loved one under Pfizer’s voluntary benefits through Pfizer Benefit Extras including Auto & Home, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Insurance as well as the Legal Plan, you’ll need to call Pfizer Benefit Extras at 1-888-926-2525 to end his or her coverage and, if applicable, begin the process to submit a claim for benefits under any enrolled coverage.

It is your responsibility to report any changes in your covered dependents to Pfizer’s benefit administrators within 31 days of the event.

Are you a dependent of a Pfizer colleague who has passed away?

You may get assistance with Pfizer benefits by calling the Pfizer Benefits Center directly at 1-877-208-0950. To authenticate yourself and your relationship to the colleague, you may need to provide your contact information as well as the colleague’s Social Security Number and date of death.

Changing Your Own Pfizer Health & Insurance Coverage

The death of your loved one may also mean that you can make certain changes to your Pfizer health and insurance benefits within that same 31-day period, such as enrolling in or increasing your Dependent Care Account election to help with eligible adult or childcare expenses.

If you do not make benefit coverage changes to your own coverage within 31 days, you will need to wait until the next Annual Enrollment period to make changes for the following year. Keep in mind that certain elections may not be changed mid-year for any reason; these include health care accounts, long-term disability and vacation purchase.

Review Your Pfizer Beneficiary Designations

Ensure that your Pfizer benefits are paid out based on your preferences:

Insurance and/or 401(k) Savings Plan: visit netbenefits.com > Profile > Beneficiaries.
Health Savings Account: visit HealthEquity.com > Manage Account > Beneficiaries.
Pension Plan: call the Pfizer Benefits Center at 1-866-476-8723 and follow the prompts for Retirement. A representative can help you review any beneficiary elections you may have on file and assist with any necessary changes. Note: certain restrictions for beneficiary designations may apply depending on legacy plan provisions.

Review Pfizer’s Other Benefits

When a loved one has passed, you may need additional resources — whether it’s budgeting support, help caring for children or parents or managing stress. Support for Caregivers offers a variety of other benefits and programs that can assist you during this time including access to Cariloop, concierge caregiving support provided at no cost, which can help you take care of your loved ones, whether it’s coordinating medical care or finding care resources.

Review Your Pfizer Payroll and Personal Information

You may wish to change the number of state and federal exemptions you are claiming so, it’s important to review your Pfizer payroll tax withholdings. In addition, you may want to review and update your personal information in Workday.

Payroll and tax information: visit Fuse and click Access My Pay. Consult with a tax advisor to determine how you may be affected.
Personal information: visit Fuse and click Access Workday, view your Profile and update your Personal information, Marital Status and Emergency Contacts.

If you need assistance updating this information, call 1-866-476-8723 and follow the Colleague Services prompt to Workday support to reach the Pfizer Colleague Service Center.

Create or Review Your Will

The loss of a loved one may be a reminder to plan for the unexpected. If you are enrolled in Legal Services through Pfizer Benefit Extras, you have coverage for legal services to update/create wills, a power of attorney or other important legal documents. If you are not enrolled in this benefit, you will need to wait until the next Annual Enrollment period to enroll.

Additional support

If you or your loved one are terminally ill, there is more help available, including:

Accelerated Death Benefit: if you or your dependent is covered under a Pfizer life insurance plan, you may have access to a portion of this benefit through an Accelerated Death Benefit feature. Contact the Pfizer Benefits Center at 1-877-208-0950 for more information.
Help coordinating support for financial planning concerns
No cost 30-minute legal guidance session through Healthy Pfizer Living