How to claim a deceased parent’s bank account money (with or without a nominee)

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Last updated: 18 October 2026 · Based on RBI’s Settlement of Claims in respect of Deceased Customers of Banks Directions, 2025

Quick answer: If a parent has died, the nominee or the legal heirs can claim the money in their bank accounts by submitting the bank’s claim form, the death certificate and KYC documents at the branch. Under RBI’s 2025 rules, banks must settle the claim within 15 calendar days of receiving all documents, and pay compensation if they delay.

Who this guide is for

  • Nominees named on a deceased person’s account or fixed deposit
  • Joint account holders where the other holder has died
  • Legal heirs (children, spouse, parents) where no nominee was registered

First, find out which situation applies

How you claim depends on how the account was set up. Check the passbook, FD receipt or ask the branch.

1. There is a nominee

This is the simplest case. The bank pays the nominee once it has the death certificate, the nominee’s KYC and the claim form. No succession certificate is needed.

2. It is a joint account with “either or survivor” or “former or survivor”

The surviving holder continues the account or receives the balance after submitting the death certificate.

3. There is no nominee and no survivor clause

The legal heirs claim. RBI requires banks to follow a simplified procedure for claims up to a threshold of at least ₹15 lakh in commercial banks and ₹5 lakh in co-operative banks. Above the threshold, banks can ask for a succession certificate, probate or similar legal documents.

Before you start: documents to keep ready

  • Death certificate of the account holder (original for verification, plus copies)
  • Claimant’s KYC: PAN, Aadhaar or other identity and address proof, and a photograph
  • Passbook, cheque book, FD receipts or any account details you have
  • Bank’s claim form (banks must keep standard forms at branches and on their websites)
  • Proof of relationship, if you are a legal heir
  • For legal heirs without a nominee: the documents the bank lists for your case, such as an affidavit, indemnity, a no-objection letter from other heirs, a legal heir certificate, or above the threshold, a succession certificate or probate

Not sure where your parent had accounts? Search their name on RBI’s UDGAM portal first. Our UDGAM guide explains how.

Step-by-step: how to claim

  1. Inform the bank about the death at the branch where the account is held, or through the bank’s online claim facility if it has one.
  2. Collect the claim form and checklist. Ask for the document list that applies to your situation: nominee, survivor, or legal heir.
  3. Fill in the form and attach the death certificate, your KYC and the other documents.
  4. Submit and take an acknowledgement with the date. The 15-day settlement period starts from the date the bank has all required documents.
  5. Track the claim. Banks are encouraged to offer claim tracking. If something is missing, the bank should tell you what and why.
  6. Receive the money in your account, or the bank closes the account and pays out as per the claim.

If the bank delays or refuses

  • If the bank delays beyond 15 days because of its own fault, RBI’s rules require it to pay compensation as interest at the Bank Rate plus 4% a year on the claim amount for the delay. For lockers, the compensation is ₹5,000 for each day of delay.
  • Complain first to the bank’s grievance officer in writing.
  • If there is no reply in 30 days or you are not satisfied, complain free of cost to RBI at cms.rbi.org.in.

Common problems and how to fix them

The name on the death certificate does not match the bank records

Carry documents linking both names, such as an Aadhaar or PAN of the deceased, an old passbook, or an affidavit explaining the difference.

Several heirs, but only one is claiming

The bank will usually ask the other heirs for a no-objection letter or affidavit, and may ask for an indemnity.

The account is very old and the money went to RBI

Deposits untouched for 10 years go to RBI’s DEA Fund but can still be claimed from the same bank, with interest where applicable. The process is the same.

Watch out for scams

Claiming through the bank, EPFO or other official channels is free. Never pay an “agent” who calls or messages you first offering to recover money. Never share OTPs, passwords or full account details. If you are targeted, report it at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.

What to do next

Frequently asked questions

Is a succession certificate always required?

No. It is not needed when there is a nominee or a survivor. Without a nominee, banks follow a simplified process up to the threshold (at least ₹15 lakh in commercial banks, ₹5 lakh in co-operative banks). A succession certificate or probate can be required above that, or if there is a dispute.

How long does the bank take?

RBI requires banks to settle within 15 calendar days of receiving all required documents.

Does the nominee get to keep the money?

The nominee receives the money from the bank, which discharges the bank. Who ultimately owns it depends on the will or succession law, so the nominee may have to share it with the legal heirs.

Can I claim from another city?

Many banks accept claims at any branch or online. Ask the bank; the claim is still processed by the branch that holds the account.

Official links

Last updated: 18 October 2026. If something here no longer matches your bank’s process, please tell us.

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About this guide: Written by the Unclaimed Now Editorial Team from RBI’s Settlement of Claims in respect of Deceased Customers of Banks Directions, 2025. Unclaimed Now is an independent guide, not a government website. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.