How do you claim benefits left to you and how long before its paid?

Generally speaking, you simply contact the insurance company and they will tell you what to do. As far as how long it takes, it depends on the company, but usually not very long if all the paperwork is in order. I have collected two insurance benefits, and one took about a month, and the other took several months, but it was delayed because I had to provide proof of death, and the hospital lost the records.