Individual beneficiary or estate

My mother passed, and she had a minimum policy from her employer. My sister and I are listed as dependents. Metlife sent out a form to both of us showing the 50/50 split. The first question is what capacity you’re making a claim. <individual, representative of a trust, estate, or charity > I chose individual.

I am the executor and I am working with a lawyer going through probate for both of my deceased parents. We are not a charity, there is no Trust but the lawyer and paralegal often say we are settling our parent's estates.

Today Metlife called and asked that I state for the record on a recorded line that I wanted to make the claim as an individual. The representative made me feel like I was making a mistake and she needed further documentation. I told her that I needed more time.

Are we supposed to make the claim as an estate to reduce a tax burden or because we have not finished probate? Any help would be appreciated.

submitted by /u/FJWagg
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