---
title: "What Is Contingent Beneficiary? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "A contingent beneficiary is a backup who receives the death benefit only if every primary beneficiary has died or cannot be paid. It is also called a..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/contingent-beneficiary
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Policy mechanics

# Contingent Beneficiary

A contingent beneficiary is a backup who receives the death benefit only if every primary beneficiary has died or cannot be paid. It is also called a secondary beneficiary.

## Why it matters

A contingent beneficiary protects your plan when life does not go as expected. For example, if your spouse is the primary and dies before you, your adult children as contingent beneficiaries can still receive the payout without a court process. Without one, the money may go to your estate, which can add delay and cost. Check each carrier's form, because rules for shares and minors differ.

Source: [law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/contingent_beneficiary)

[Read next, for familiesHow do you file a life insurance claim after a loved one dies?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/how-to-file-a-life-insurance-claim)

## Where we use this term

-   [Fixed vs fixed index annuity: how do they work and who do they fit?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/fixed-vs-fixed-index-annuity)

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