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 start?
- 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 Boston, MA; Morristown, NJ; New York, NY; Phoenix, AZ; and Tampa, FL.
- Our operations are headquartered in Charlotte, NC. We also have offices in Boston, MA; Morristown, NJ; New York, NY; Phoenix, AZ; and Tampa, FL.
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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.”
- 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 was Brighthouse Financial spun 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 called 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 solutions with a specialized set of products designed to help customers protect what they’ve earned and ensure it lasts.
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What are the financial strength ratings for the operating companies of Brighthouse Financial, Inc.?²
- A.M. Best3 assigned an A financial strength rating to the operating companies of Brighthouse Financial. (3rd highest out of 16 ratings)
- Fitch Ratings4 assigned an A insurer financial strength rating to the Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and NELICO operating companies of Brighthouse Financial. (6th highest out of 19 ratings)
- Moody’s5 assigned an A3 rating to the Brighthouse Life Insurance Company and New England Life Insurance Company (NELICO) operating companies of Brighthouse Financial. (7th highest out of 21 ratings)
- S&P6 assigned an A+ rating to the operating companies of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (5th highest out of 22 ratings)
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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. We have been an independent company since August 4, 2017, and have 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. We have been an independent company since August 4, 2017, and have 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.
Policy Information
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I received a notice regarding a change to third-party administrator (TPA) for my contract or policy. Why?
- We’ve partnered with DXC Technology Company (DXC) to provide customer service and support for Brighthouse Financial contracts and policies issued by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY, and New England Life Insurance Company. The administrative services will be provided by Alliance-One Services, Inc. (AOSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of DXC. This is an administrative change only, meaning the security, terms, and provisions of your client’s contract or policy, along with their status as a customer, will remain the same. Your Brighthouse Financial issuing company continues to be responsible for the obligations and benefits outlined in their contract or policy.
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What is DXC Technology Company (DXC)?
- Alliance-One Services, Inc. (AOSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of DXC, is one of the largest annuities and life insurance service providers in the U.S. AOSI is a licensed third-party administrator that provides customer service, including premium collection and application, claims processing, benefit payments, and any other service requests related to contracts and policies.
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What types of annuities and life insurance does Brighthouse Financial sell?
- Brighthouse Financial offers four main types of annuity products: income annuities, fixed annuities, index-linked annuities, and variable annuities. 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?
- Brighthouse Financial products are only available through a financial professional. Please contact a financial professional to find out how our products may fit 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 FINRA BrokerCheck to search for one in your area
- Contact your financial institution and ask if they offer brokerage or financial advising services
- Use FINRA BrokerCheck to search for one in your area
- To find a financial professional who sells Brighthouse Financial products, you can:
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If I have questions on submitting a payment or making a request, who do I contact?
- We’re happy to help. Please call us at (800) 882-1292, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET.
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Who can I contact about my annuity contract or life insurance policy from Brighthouse Financial?
- Annuities: (800) 882-1292
- Brighthouse SmartCare Hybrid LTC and Brighthouse SimplySelect Term policies: (800) 882-1292
- All other life insurance products: (800) 638-5000
- Total Control Account: (800) 638-7283
- Disability Policies: (844) 405-1390
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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.
Shareholder Information
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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 have any questions or need assistance with your stockholder account (including regarding 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 have any questions or need assistance with your stockholder account (including regarding 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.
Online Servicing
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Why do I have to re-register my account for the Online Servicing system?
- To ensure the ongoing security of your information and provide a better service experience, we have upgraded our Online Servicing system. This upgrade requires that all users re-register their account.
To get started:- Select Log In from the upper-right navigation on this screen.
- Select Create New Login.
- Review the Terms of Use and select Customer.
- Enter your Social Security number, 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.
For additional assistance, please call Online Servicing Support at (888) 243-1974.
- To ensure the ongoing security of your information and provide a better service experience, we have upgraded our Online Servicing system. This upgrade requires that all users re-register their account.
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How do I reset my password?
- To reset your password, please select Log In in the upper-right navigation, 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. If you need additional assistance, you can call us at (888) 243-1974, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET.
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How do I recover my username?
- To recover your username, please select Log In in the upper-right navigation, select Forgot Username, and follow the prompts. We’ll send your username to the email address associated with your account. If you need additional assistance, you can call us at (888) 243-1974, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET.
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How do I access my contract or policy in the Online Servicing system?
- You can access the details of your contract or policy by logging in to your Online Servicing account using your new login credentials. Once logged in, you will see a list of your policies. Use the left sidebar to navigate to specific sections of your contract.
- For detailed instructions, please visit our Policy How-To Guide.
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How do I run a report in the Online Servicing system?
- You can run a report by 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, you can visit our Reporting How-To Guide.
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Who should I call if I can’t find the answer to my question?
- If you have additional questions, please call us at (888) 243-1974, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET. We’re happy to help.
- For additional support materials on Online Servicing, visit our Online Servicing How-To Guides.
1 Ranked by 2018 admitted assets. Best’s Review®: Top 200 U.S. Life/Health Insurers. A.M. Best, 2019. Brighthouse Financial is the brand name for Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY, and New England Life Insurance Company.
2 Ratings as of February 2020. Ratings apply to the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the operating companies of Brighthouse Financial, and not the performance of any of its products. Operating entities collectively rated include Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (formerly MetLife Insurance Company USA), New England Life Insurance Company, and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY (formerly First MetLife Investors Insurance Company); 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.
3 A.M. 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 www.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.standardandpoors.com.