Family
A family member died — bank, PF, insurance, pension and property claims
Each institution has its own claim form, but the same few papers repeat. Getting them early saves months.
Answer a few questions and get your list →What the law says
RBI's 2025 directions require banks to settle deceased depositors' claims within 15 calendar days of receiving all documents, with compensation for delay. Since 1 November 2025, accounts can have up to four nominees. A nominee receives the money, but the legal heirs remain entitled to it under succession law. A succession certificate (civil court) is often needed for debts and securities when there is no nominee; a legal heir certificate is issued by the state revenue office.
General information, not legal advice.
Papers that usually help
- Death certificate (several attested copies)
Every claim needs it. - Your ID and KYC, and the deceased's ID
Required by all institutions. - List of accounts, policies, PF/UAN, folio and property details
Lets you claim everything; nothing is missed. - Nomination records
Simplifies the claim. - Legal heir certificate or family tree / heirship affidavit
Needed where there is no nominee, and for pension and property. - No-objection letters from the other heirs
Lets one person claim without a court. - The will (original) and probate if required
Decides distribution where valid. - EPF death claim forms (PF, pension and EDLI insurance)
EPFO pays PF, family pension and EDLI insurance. - Insurance policy document and claim form
Basis of the insurance claim. - Property title documents and tax receipts
Needed for mutation in heirs' names. - Vehicle RC and insurance
Needed to transfer the vehicle. - Written complaint about the delay, then escalation (RBI / insurer / EPFO portal)
Deadlines are enforceable.
Questions Saboot will ask you
- What do you need to claim first?
- Was there a nominee?
- Did they leave a will?
- Is anyone in the family disputing the claim?
- Has the bank or institution delayed or refused?
Sources
- RBI complaint portal — for delays in settling a deceased customer's account
- EPFO grievance portal
- Hindu Succession Act, 1956
Common situations
- Bank won’t release a deceased parent’s money
- PF and pension after a family member’s death
- Life insurance claim after a death
- Transfer a deceased person’s vehicle
- Shares or mutual funds of a deceased parent
- No nominee was made — how do heirs claim?
- Nominee is refusing to share with other heirs
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