Loss of a Loved One
We’re so sorry for your loss. There’s no right way to move through the days and weeks ahead — but you shouldn’t have to figure out paperwork and phone numbers on your own while you do. This step-by-step journey gathers the benefits that can help, right now and in the weeks to come after losing a dependent. It's all in one place, giving you more room to focus on your family and grieve.
Review the 2027 Benefits eGuide for complete plan details.
At a Glance
Losing someone you love can leave you juggling a lot at once, and benefits may be the last thing on your mind. You don't need to know all of this today — or even this week. When you're ready, the steps below walk you through what's here for you and how to take the next step.
Help Right Away
You don’t have to carry this by yourself. Help is a phone call away, any hour of the day.
Call the EAP. Whatever you need right now — someone to talk to or simply help figuring out what to do next — the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), run by Magellan Healthcare, is free, confidential, and available 24/7 for you and everyone in your household. You and your household members can receive five free visits per person per issue per year. You don’t need to be enrolled in any Office Depot benefits to use it.
If you need to talk to someone today, a licensed Virtual Behavioral Specialist is available 24/7 through Teladoc Health for $10 per visit — no advance appointment needed.
Ask about Work & Life referral services. The EAP can also connect you to referral services for daily living needs during a difficult stretch, from home maintenance to consumer resources.
Take time to heal. Coworkers may be granted up to four days of paid time off in the event of the death of an immediate family member. Paid time off may also be granted for extended family, friends, or Coworkers. View the Funeral/Memorial Service Observance policy on the U.S. Policies SharePoint site, or reach out to HR4U@theodpgroup.com with questions.
Filing a Claim
Whenever you feel ready to take this step, here’s how.
File a claim. If your loved one was covered under Office Depot's Life & AD&D Insurance through Voya, contact Voya to report the death and begin the claims process.
Submit any applicable supplemental claims. If your loved one was enrolled in Accident, Critical Illness, or Hospital Indemnity Insurance, their passing may qualify for a benefit — review their coverage and file a claim through Voya if eligible.
If someone else is filing for you, a family member or representative can reach out to HR4U@theodpgroup.com, who can help route the information to Voya.
Handling the Details
For benefits updates and the legal and financial side of things, a few resources can lighten the load.
Report the life event. If you lose a covered spouse, domestic partner, or child, this is considered a qualifying life event, and you can update your coverage outside of Annual Enrollment. Log in to the Office Depot Benefits Hub within 31 days to update your coverage.
Support through Empathy. Having Basic Life Insurance gives you access to Empathy, which offers step‑by‑step guidance and a dedicated Care Manager to help you handle the practical and emotional tasks after losing a loved one. Get support with funeral planning, closing accounts, navigating probate, claiming benefits, and accessing grief resources — all in one secure place.
Get legal help. If you're enrolled, LegalEASE can connect you with an attorney for estate matters, probate questions, and other legal paperwork that follows a loss.
Talk it through with someone who knows the answers. The EAP’s legal and financial services can connect you with a legal or financial expert for a free, confidential consultation, and you’ll receive discounts on services for whatever questions come up along the way. Schedule a consultation with an expert to talk through estate planning, budgeting, or debt management — part of your EAP benefit at no extra cost.
Review your own coverage. A loss in the family is a good time to review your own life insurance beneficiaries to confirm who is listed to receive your benefits. Life & AD&D Insurance, 401(k), HSA, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity are each managed separately, so it's worth reviewing all of them.
Keep this handy through every step
Call the EAP or a Virtual Behavioral Specialist any time, day or night
Report the loss of a dependent to the Office Depot Benefits Hub within 31 days to update your benefits coverage
Contact Voya to report a death and file life insurance and supplemental health insurance claims
Use LegalEASE or the EAP's legal and financial services for estate matters
Review and update your beneficiaries on life insurance, your 401(k), Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and your HSA
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