How long does it take to collect on life insurance after you submit the paperwork and death certificate to the life insurance company?

It should be governed by statute. Texas: In general, the deadlines start to run when you submit the claim to the insurance company. Before that, the company has no duties. The insurance company must give you notice of receipt of the claim within 30 days. A telephone call to the company might, or might not, be considered a claim. Any written acknowledgment of your conversation may, or may not, be considered notice of receipt of the claim. The insurance company has to tell you whether it accepts or rejects the claim within 15 days of receiving all information / documents reasonably requested. That would be the claimant's statement, the death certificate, the original policy or an explanation of the lack thereof, and the beneficiary's address and phone number. However, the statute provides for an addition 45 days if the company can't act within 15, so say 60 days. (So why does the statute say 15 days?) If the company rejects, it must give you the reasons. The company has to pay the claim within 60 days of receipt of all information / documents reasonably requested. If the company does not, the company has to pay 18 percent interest and attorney fees. Most companies will issue a check in 2-3 weeks time after receiving all necessary claims info.