Generally speaking, once a beneficiary files a claim for payment on life insurance, it should take between a few weeks and a few months to receive those benefits. If the wrong forms were sent in, or the cause of death is uncertain and the insurer is investigating the claim, it could take a bit longer. The insurer is not allowed, however, to deliberately delay a life insurance claim. If the insurer flat-out refuses to pay the claim, it is important that you speak to a knowledgeable life insurance denial attorney as quickly as possible.