Don’t have a Principal log in set up? It takes just a few steps.
- Go to Principal.com. Click “Log in” in the upper right corner.
- Click “New user? Register here,” then “Individuals.”
- Enter your first name, last name, date of birth, phone number, and your ID number (either your Social Security Number or a number provided by your employer) or zip code. (We will use the phone number to text or call you to verify your identity; see Step 5.)
- Click the box “I consent to doing business electronically.”
- If your phone number matches our records, you’ll receive a one-time code via text. If not, you’ll be asked to verify your identity by answering a few questions from a trusted third party.
- Create a username and password, and provide an email address. (We recommend using an email you’ll keep even if you change jobs.)
- Select and answer three security questions, which we’ll use if we ever need to verify your identity.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email, but can log in and begin viewing your account information.
Need help creating or managing your online account? Download printable instructions (PDF).
Log in to your account. On your dashboard, click on the box on the left for your account, such as “defined contribution.” Click the button “I want to …” and scroll to “View the full account.” Click on “Overview,” then “Beneficiaries.” You can add or change primary and contingent beneficiaries on this screen.
If you prefer to change beneficiaries via mail, use one of these beneficiary forms:
For dental claims: Log in to view information on your dashboard.
For vision claims: Visit vsp.com. You’ll need to create an account using your member ID found on your ID card (don't use your Social Security number).
Log in to your Principal account to view your dashboard. Click on “Personal summary,” then the product box “Annuity.”
Where your coverage comes from makes a difference when it comes to the forms you fill out. Choose the option below that best describes your situation.
Option 1: You have short- or long-term disability coverage through work.
For group disability insurance policies, claims can be submitted via:
- Online disability insurance claim form
- Disability claim form instructions, employer and employee statements (PDF).
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
711 High St.
Des Moines, IA 50392-0002 - Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
- Fax: 800-255-6609
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Additional forms:
- Pregnancy disability claim form, employer and employee statements (PDF)
- Attending physician's statement (PDF)
Option 2: You purchased your own individual disability coverage.
Simply download and complete the form(s) you need:
- Complete the online submission of your disability claim or if you prefer to send via fax, mail or email, complete the PDF form:
- Disability claim form (PDF)
- Attending physician's statement (PDF)
- If your claim is psychiatric and/or substance abuse related, we’ll need these forms:
- Disability claim form (PDF)
- Psychiatric questionnaire (PDF)
- Send your form(s) to:
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Attn: Individual Disability Claims Department
711 High St.
Des Moines, IA 50392 - Email: IndividualDisabilityClaims@exchange.principal.com
- Fax: 866-317-4526
- Phone: 800-422-3788
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Where your coverage comes from makes a difference when it comes to the forms you fill out. Choose the option below that best describes your situation.
Option 1: You have group life insurance through work.
For group life insurance policies, claims can be submitted via:
- Online beneficiary group life insurance claim form
- Group life claim form (PDF):
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
711 High St.
Des Moines, IA 50392-0002 - Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
- Fax: 800-255-6609
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Additional forms:
Option 2: The individual life insurance policy was purchased through a financial professional.
To get started with your claim, access the documents you’ll need using our claims requirement tool or by downloading this claims packet (PDF).
Once you have the appropriate paperwork completed, you'll need to give us a call at 800-331-2213 to initiate the claim process. At this point, you'll be able to mail or fax us your form(s). Standard processing time once all claim requirements are received is 7-10 business days.
To file a claim, access your state's specific critical illness claim form (PDF, select the state where your employer is located). Then complete and submit as shown below.
To file a wellness claim, complete and submit a claim online after logging in to principal.com.
Or, access your state's specific health screening/wellness claim form (PDF). Then complete and submit as shown below.
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
711 High St.
Des Moines, IA 50392-0002 - Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
- Fax: 800-255-6609
To file a claim, complete and submit the accident claim form (PDF).
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
711 High St.
Des Moines, IA 50392-0002 - Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
- Fax: 800-255-6609
To file a wellness claim, complete and submit a claim online after logging in to principal.com.
Or, access your state's specific health screening/wellness claim form (PDF). Then complete and submit as shown below.
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
711 High St.
Des Moines, IA 50392-0002 - Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
- Fax: 800-255-6609
To file a claim, complete and submit the hospital indemnity claim form (PDF) or submit the claim online.
To file a health screening/wellness claim, complete and submit a claim online after logging in to principal.com.
Or, access your state’s specific health screening/wellness claim form (PDF). Then complete and submit as shown below.
- Mail: Principal Life Insurance Company
Attn: Group Life & Disability Claims Department
711 High St.
Des Moines, IA 50392-0002 - Email: SBDClaims@principal.com
- Fax: 800-255-6609
To start a PFML claim, complete and submit the claim online.
Or, complete and submit the appropriate PFML claim form:
For individual coverage purchased through a financial professional, download:
- Life Insurance Customer Service Request Form (PDF) for name changes, premium or frequency changes, and changes of address
- Life Insurance Ownership Change Form (PDF)
- Life Insurance Pre-Authorized Monthly Premium Withdrawal (PDF)
- Beneficiary Change (PDF); Online beneficiary changes are available on some life insurance policies—just log in to your account.
- Authorization for Release of Information (PDF)
- Assignment of Life Insurance Policy as Collateral on a Loan (PDF)
- Release of an Assignment (PDF)
- Add a Secondary Addressee (PDF)
- Add a Secondary Addressee for New Jersey (PDF)
For a disability policy purchased through a financial advisor, download:
- Customer Service Request Form (PDF) for name changes, frequency changes, or an address change.
- Payment Authorization for Electronic Fund Transfers (PDF)
- Ownership Change Form (PDF)
- Assignment of a Policy as Collateral on a Loan (PDF)
- Release of an Assignment (PDF)
For an annuity contract purchased through a financial professional, download:
- Annuity Service Request Form (PDF) for name changes, address change or lost contract
- Change of Ownership - Annuity (PDF) available on nonqualified contracts only
- Authorization Agreement for Direct Deposit (PDF) voided check attached to form required
- Request Wire Transfers (PDF)
- Request a Brokerage IRA Distribution (PDF) for Brokerage IRA only (if you have a Principal Bank IRA, please call 800-672-3343 for appropriate form)
- Non-retirement authorization (PDF)
- Retirement authorization (PDF)
To view or download a prospectus, visit principalam.com/us, click on "Investment products," then the type of product, then the "Prospectus" button.
- Your rollover options (PDF, 402f): Have questions about Rollover IRA rules? Get the basics about how to rollover, how much you can rollover, how rollovers can affect your taxes, and more.
- Know your options (PDF): Typically there are four options when you are eligible to take money out of a former employer’s retirement plan, find out what the advantages and drawbacks are for each option.
- Washington Non-Disclosure Directive Form (PDF) for individuals in the state of Washington only.
- Rhode Island Confidential Communications Request (PDF) for individuals in the state of Rhode Island only.
- Confidential Communications Form (PDF) for individuals in all states other than Rhode Island and Washington.
Submit completed forms to your financial professional or directly to Principal Funds.
Mail completed forms to: Principal Funds, P.O. Box 219971, Kansas City, MO 64121-9971
For overnight delivery: Principal Funds, 430 W 7th St., Ste 219971, Kansas City, MO 64105-1407
Choose from the list of forms below.
403(b)(7) Custodial Agreement
For use with your existing Principal Funds 403(b)(7) account.
403(b)(7) Distribution Request
Request a distribution from a 403(b)(7) account.
Account Application
Establish a non-retirement account (Individual, Transfer on Death, Joint, UTMA, or Trust/Corporation/Partnership/Other Entity).
Automatic Exchange Election
Establish an automatic exchange of shares between funds in your account.
Automatic Investment Plan
Establish automatic investments into your Principal Funds account from your checking or savings account.
Beneficiary Designation
Add or change beneficiaries on your retirement account.
Beneficial Owner Certification Form
Designate the Beneficial Owners and the Control Person on a legal entity account.
Change of Dealer or Investment Representative
Update your broker/dealer and/or financial professional information on your account.
Check Writing Privileges for Money Market Fund
Establish check-writing privileges on a new or existing money market fund in your non-retirement account.
Cost Basis Election Form
Change the cost basis election on your existing non-qualified account.
Direct Deposit Authorization Form
Establish a Direct Deposit plan to automatically deposit all or part of your paycheck, Social Security, or government agency payments, directly to your Principal Funds account.
Education Savings Account (ESA) Application
Establish a Coverdell Education Savings Account.
ESA Custodial Agreement (IRS Form 5305-EA)
Review this document before establishing a Coverdell Education Savings Account, and keep a copy for your records.
Education Savings Account (ESA) Distribution
Request a distribution from a Coverdell Education Savings Account.
Education Savings Account (ESA) Transfer Request
Transfer a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) from another institution to Principal Funds.
Electronic Funds Transfer
Add banking information to your account to facilitate electronic purchases and redemptions.
IRA 72(t) Distribution
Establish 72(t) distributions from your Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or SEP IRA.
IRA Application
Establish a Traditional or Roth IRA account.
IRA Distribution
Request a non-mandatory distribution from your Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or SEP IRA account.
IRA Plan Document, Custody Agreement, & Account Disclosure Statement
Review this document before establishing a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or SEP IRA, and keep it for your records.
IRA Rollover Statement
If you would like to roll over funds from a qualified plan or IRA (including those made payable to you) into a Principal Funds IRA, use this form.
IRA Transfer/Direct Rollover Request
For a Trustee-to-Trustee Transfer/Rollover of a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or Rollover IRA from another institution to Principal Funds.
Legal Name Change
Request a legal name change for your account.
Non-IRA Transfer
Transfer a non-retirement Certificate of Deposit (CD), mutual fund, or other investment to Principal Funds.
Non-Qualified Redemption Request
Request a one-time distribution from your non-retirement account.
Power Of Attorney Affidavit
Establish a POA (Power of Attorney) or recertify an existing POA annually.
Principal Diversified Select Real Asset Fund Account Application
Establish a non-retirement account (Individual, Transfer on Death, Joint, UTMA or Trust/Corporation/Partnership/Other Entity) in the Principal Diversified Select Real Asset Fund.
Principal Funds Employer Plan - Primary and Secondary Administrator Assignment
Add or update the Primary/Secondary Administrators on your Sponsor Service Center plan.
Qualified Plan Application
Establish an investment-only employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), Profit-Sharing, or Money Purchase Pension plan (for use by plan trustees).
Qualified Plan Enrollment
Enroll in your employer's investment-only, such as a 401(k), Profit-Sharing, or Money Purchase Pension plan (for use by plan participants).
Registration Change
Change the registration of your non-retirement account or transfer shares from your account to another non-retirement account with a different registration.
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Request
Request a Required Minimum Distribution from your Traditional IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA, or 403(b)(7) account.
Retirement Plan Beneficiary
Open a Beneficiary IRA or take distributions from an existing Beneficiary IRA.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA)/Statement of Intent (SOI)
Notify us of accounts eligible for linking under Rights of Accumulation (ROA), or establish a Statement of Intent (SOI).
Roth IRA Conversion Application
Convert your Traditional IRA into a Roth IRA.
SEP IRA Adoption Agreement
Establish a SEP IRA plan (for use by employers).
SEP IRA Application
Establish a SEP IRA account (for use by plan participants).
SEP IRA Employer Contribution
Submit initial employer contributions for participants in a SEP IRA (for use by employers).
SEP IRA Transfer/Direct Rollover Request
Transfer a SEP IRA (or roll over a qualified plan) from another institution to a SEP IRA with Principal Funds.
SIMPLE IRA Adoption Agreement (IRS Form 5304-SIMPLE)
Establish a SIMPLE IRA plan (for use by employers).
SIMPLE IRA Application
Establish a SIMPLE IRA account (for use by plan participants).
SIMPLE IRA Custodial Agreement (IRS Form 5305-SA)
Establish a SIMPLE IRA Plan agreement between employer and employee.
SIMPLE IRA Salary Deferral Agreement
Establish or amend salary deferral contributions to your SIMPLE IRA account.
SIMPLE IRA Salary Deferral Contribution
Submit initial employer contributions for participants in a SIMPLE IRA plan (for use by employers).
SIMPLE IRA Transfer Request
Transfer a SIMPLE IRA from another institution to Principal Funds.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) Request
Establish systematic withdrawals from your Principal Funds non-retirement account to your checking or savings account.
Third Party Authorization Form (Authorization for release of records or information)
Form to authorize an individual to be listed as an Authorized Caller on a Principal Funds, Inc. account.
Transfer On Death Affidavit
Use this form to transfer ownership of an existing account registered as a Transfer upon a Death.
Transfer On Death Registration Form
Establish a Transfer On Death (TOD) registration on a new or existing account.
Trust or Business Authorized Trader Form
Grant online account authorization on a trust or corporate account.
Trustee Certification and Indemnification
Use this form to certify trustees on a trust account.
We can help.
Retirement plan participants: +1-800-547-7754
Life and disability insurance customers: +1-800-247-9988
Mutual fund clients: +1-800-222-5852
Annuity clients:
Deferred annuities: +1-800-852-4450
Income annuities: +1-866-321-9648
Everyone else: +1-800-986-3343
Or send us an email.
Need help with insurance claims?
Find your most common questions answered online. Visit help with insurance.