Should I follow up with a call re: benefits payout?

Frankly, I’m very anxious. my father’s insurance was a group benefit with NY life, and I think he was under 2 years employed at this company. His cause of death was recorded as “complications due to alcohol use disorder.”

I’m pretty concerned that they’ll deny due to the contestability period. Official death cert was received by me and sent via email to NY Life on September 23rd. I realize that’s only about 10 business days, but it feels like forever, especially because I’m sort of in limbo with dealing with the rest of my dad’s affairs. (It’s a domino effect – he didn’t have a will, so now I’m running around trying to figure out how to get named as the person dealing with the estate when my brother is in prison and getting him to sign anything official is basically a nightmare. I also have no idea if there’s funds in any of his accounts that could pay for a probate attorney, and he had no assets, so this would be the best way for me to pay for a little help if it turns out my dad had $0.)

Should I wait another week? Call tomorrow and ask about the case and process? I’ve received zero word except the form email: “Your email will be reviewed by your designated claim manager and if any additional information is needed, they will reach out to you as soon as possible.” That doesn’t even specifically confirm they saw the death certificate. Do they need an official one mailed also? (If so why didn’t they email me?)

They haven’t reached out, but also…i would assume if it is being paid out, they do need me to like, make an account, or give them further info, etc.

Sorry I just don’t know how long this is all supposed to take, and the initial mail letter said they would update “every 30 days,” which…seems like forever. (How the hell does anyone afford to wait that long if they’re using these funds for a burial?? I had to ask his siblings to pay for his cremation….)