In Pennsylvania, to receive death benefit proceeds when the beneficiary is a minor, what must be appointed?

• A. The beneficiary themselves
• B. The minor's guardian ad litem
• C. A court clerk
• D. A guardian must be appointed

Answer: (D)

Minors cannot receive or manage money on their own, so when a death benefit is payable to a minor in Pennsylvania, a court-appointed guardian is required to receive and manage those proceeds for the minor’s benefit. The guardian handles the funds until the minor reaches adulthood or the court directs otherwise. A guardian ad litem is for representing the minor in legal actions, not for handling fiduciary funds. A court clerk does not manage the funds. If a guardian isn’t in place yet, the insurer will typically wait for a guardianship order or similar court-appointed arrangement before releasing proceeds.