Last Updated:November 04, 2025, 06:30 IST

Claiming mutual fund and bank account investments after a sudden death requires key documents and a step-by-step process for heirs. Learn how to proceed.

A sudden death without nomination or a proper will may become a nightmare for the spouse or children of the deceased, posing a hindrance in acquiring investments in mutual fund and bank accounts. The transfer of investments and money is possible, though there are some processes that need to be completed before.

According to an estimate, around Rs 25,000 crore worth of shares and about nearly Rs 80,000 crore of bank deposits are lying unclaimed in the country. These assets often remain unclaimed due to inadequate documentation or heirs being unaware of their existence.

Let’s have a look at these step-by-step guide to claim the investments in MFs and deposits in bank accounts of the deceased ones:

Claiming Mutual Fund (MF) investments — step by step

1) Identify the folio(s) / AMC / registrar

Check statements, broker app, emails or CAMS/KARVY/CDSL records for the folio number and AMC (fund house).

2) Contact the AMC / Registrar (CAMS/KFinTech/etc.)

Inform them of the investor’s death. Ask for the Transmission / Death claim process and request the Transmission Request Form (often called Form T3 or a death-claim form). Many AMCs publish the list of required docs on their site.

3) Fill the transmission / claim form

Form will ask claimant details (nominee or legal heir), folio, bank details where proceeds should be credited, KYC details of claimant.

4) Gather required documents (usually)

• Death certificate (original or self-attested + attestation as required).
• Transmission request / claim form (signed).
• Proof of identity & address of claimant(s) (PAN, Aadhaar, passport, etc.). PAN is commonly required for the claimant.
• If nominee is minor — guardian proof / birth certificate.
• If no nominee: legal heir certificate / succession certificate / probate / will / family tree / affidavit (as per AMC).
• Cancelled cheque or bank proof for claimant’s bank account for payouts.

5) Submit to AMC / Registrar

Submit originals where required (often for death cert) and self-attested copies for others; follow AMC/registrar’s instructions (some accept scanned copies online, some need physical submission).

6) Processing & payout / transfer

Registrar/AMC verifies documents, updates folio (transmission to nominee/legal heir) and either: (a) transfers units to nominee/legal heir folio, or (b) redeems units and pays proceeds to bank account — based on request and folio type.

Times vary; check with the specific AMC/registrar for expected timeline.

7) If there’s disagreement among heirs

AMCs may require a court order or succession certificate for large or disputed claims.

Claiming bank accounts / fixed deposits — step by step

1) Contact the bank branch (home branch)

Inform them about the account holder’s death. Ask for the bank’s deceased claim or transmission procedure and the claim form they require (banks have standard forms). Some banks allow online initiation for certain cases.

2) Documents usually required

• Death certificate (original for verification).
• Account details (passbook, account number).
• KYC of claimant(s) — PAN, Aadhaar, passport, photos.
• Claim/form signed by claimant(s).
• Cancelled cheque / bank account proof where proceeds should be credited.

If no nominee or amount above specified limits, the bank may ask for: legal heir certificate, succession certificate, or probate as per the bank’s policy and amount thresholds. Many banks have simplified limits (small amounts may be settled on affidavit + ID proofs).

For joint accounts

If survivorship clause applies, surviving joint holder(s) can claim by presenting their ID + death cert. If account was “former or survivor”, the survivor can continue.

For fixed deposits

If nominee exists — nominee must present claim form + death cert + KYC to get FD proceeds. If no nominee — legal heirs/succession certificate route as per bank’s slabs (banks often have different documentation for small vs large sums).

Processing

Bank verifies documents, settles the balance or re-issues FD in heirs’ names per bank rules. Timelines & requirements vary across banks and by amount.

Varun Yadav

Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More

Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More

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