Family › Claims after a death in the family
Nominee is refusing to share with other heirs
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- Is anyone in the family disputing the claim? Yes
Where you stand
- Be careful A family dispute usually means a succession certificate or civil case — avoid signing releases until advised.
Papers to gather
- Death certificate (several attested copies)
Every claim needs it. Where: Municipality / panchayat registrar. - 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. Where: Passbooks, emails, tax returns, CAS statement.
You may also need, depending on your answers
- Nomination records — Simplifies the claim.
- Legal heir certificate or family tree / heirship affidavit — Needed where there is no nominee, and for pension and property.
- 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.
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.
Saboot will also ask
- What do you need to claim first?
- Was there a nominee?
- Did they leave a will?
Similar 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?
Sources
- RBI complaint portal — for delays in settling a deceased customer's account
- EPFO grievance portal
- Hindu Succession Act, 1956
The full guide: A family member died — bank, PF, insurance, pension and property claims · All situations