Last updated: 18 October 2026
Quick answer: To claim a deceased person’s money, almost every institution asks for the death certificate, the claimant’s KYC (PAN, Aadhaar, bank details) and the claim form. If there is a nominee, that is usually enough. Without a nominee, you also need proof that you are a legal heir, and for larger amounts a succession certificate or probate.
Who this guide is for
- Families sorting out the money of a parent, spouse or relative who has died
- Nominees who want to know what to carry before visiting a bank, EPFO or insurer
- NRIs handling a family member’s assets in India
The core documents: get these first
You will need these for almost every claim, so get several attested copies made.
- Death certificate from the municipal or local registrar. Ask for several originals; some institutions keep one.
- Claimant’s PAN and Aadhaar
- Claimant’s bank account details and a cancelled cheque
- Passport-size photographs of the claimant
- Details of the deceased: PAN, Aadhaar, account, policy or folio numbers, passbooks, FD receipts, share certificates, old statements
- Proof of relationship with the deceased, such as a birth or marriage certificate, ration card or family ID
- The institution’s own claim form
Nominee, joint holder or legal heir: which are you?
- Nominee: named on the account or policy. Usually needs only the core documents. The nominee receives the money, but may have to share it with the legal heirs as per the will or succession law.
- Joint holder with survivor clause: the surviving holder continues the account with the death certificate.
- Legal heir (no nominee): must prove heirship. This is where the extra documents below come in.
Legal heir certificate vs succession certificate
These are often confused. They are different documents from different authorities.
| Legal heir certificate | Succession certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Revenue authority, such as the Tahsildar | Civil court, under the Indian Succession Act, 1925 |
| What it does | Identifies who the legal heirs are | Authorises the holder to collect debts and securities of the deceased |
| Typically used for | Pension, gratuity, PF, insurance, utility and tax matters | Larger bank balances, shares, debentures and other securities, especially when there is no nominee or a dispute |
| Time and cost | Usually weeks, low cost | Usually months, court fees and often a lawyer |
If there is a will, the executor may need probate instead, depending on the state and the asset.
Good news for bank deposits: under RBI’s 2025 rules, banks must use a simplified process without a succession certificate for claims up to at least ₹15 lakh in commercial banks and ₹5 lakh in co-operative banks. See our guide to claiming a deceased person’s bank account.
Extra documents commonly asked for legal heirs
- Affidavit listing all legal heirs, often on stamp paper and notarised
- No-objection letters from the other heirs if only one is claiming
- Indemnity bond, sometimes with a surety, for amounts within the simplified limits
- Legal heir certificate, succession certificate or probate, depending on the amount and the institution
Always ask the institution for its written checklist before you start. Requirements differ, and getting a succession certificate takes months, so check first whether you actually need one.
Quick reference by type of money
| Type of money | Where to claim | Extra documents usually asked |
|---|---|---|
| Bank deposits | The bank branch (search first on UDGAM) | Bank claim form; heir documents only if no nominee |
| Provident fund (EPF) | EPFO, online or at the regional office | Form 20 (PF), Form 10D (pension), Form 5IF (EDLI insurance); heirship proof if no nomination. See our old PF guide |
| Life insurance | The insurer (find it via Bima Bharosa) | Policy document or indemnity if lost, claim form, sometimes medical or hospital records |
| Mutual funds | The AMC or registrar (CAMS, KFintech); search on MITRA | Transmission request form; heir documents if no nominee, above the AMC’s limit |
| Shares in demat | The depository participant (broker) | Transmission form; heir documents if no nominee |
| Shares or dividends sent to IEPF | Company or RTA for an entitlement letter, then Form IEPF-5 | Entitlement letter, indemnity, and for shares, a demat account |
Common problems and how to fix them
Names are spelt differently in different documents
Get a notarised “one and the same person” affidavit, and carry documents showing both spellings.
One heir is abroad
NRI heirs can usually sign no-objection letters or affidavits before an Indian embassy or consulate, or a notary with apostille, depending on what the institution accepts.
An heir refuses to cooperate
The institution will then usually insist on a succession certificate or a court order. Consult a lawyer.
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
- Claiming bank deposits? Step-by-step bank claim for a deceased parent
- Claiming PF? PF death claim by nominee or family
- Don’t know which banks they used? Search their name on UDGAM
- Not sure what they owned? Use the “Where could my money be?” finder.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a succession certificate if there is a nominee?
Usually not. The institution pays the nominee with the death certificate, KYC and claim form.
Where do I apply for a legal heir certificate in Maharashtra?
It is issued by the revenue authorities, typically the Tahsildar’s office for the area where the deceased lived. Check the current process on the state’s official services portal.
How long does a succession certificate take?
It is a court process and usually takes several months, longer if anyone objects.
Is a will enough to claim money?
Some institutions accept a will with supporting affidavits; others, especially for larger amounts, ask for probate. Ask the institution.
Official links
- Common Landing Portal for Unclaimed Financial Assets: unclaimedassetsportal.in
- All official portals: Official portals
Last updated: 18 October 2026. Requirements vary by institution and state. If something here no longer matches, please tell us.
Related guides
- How to check unclaimed bank deposits on RBI’s UDGAM portal
- How to claim a deceased parent’s bank account money
- How to find and claim money from an old PF account
- See all guides
About this guide: Written by the Unclaimed Now Editorial Team from official rules of RBI, EPFO and other institutions. Unclaimed Now is an independent guide, not a government website. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.