If the account has a nominee, the nominee must submit Form SBK 2, the account holder’s death certificate, and a valid ID proof.
For claims up to ₹5 lakh, the post office usually does not ask for a court succession certificate.
The money can be received in cash, by cheque, or credited to the nominee’s post office account.
If all documents are correct, the post office usually processes the claim within seven working days.
For claims above ₹5 lakh, a succession certificate from a civil court is required. This process may take time and involve legal fees and court hearings.
When No Nominee is Registered
If there is no nominee, the legal heirs must follow certain steps.
For claims up to ₹5 lakh, the heir must submit Form SBK 2, an Indemnity Letter (Form SBK 3), an Affidavit and Disclaimer Letter (Forms SBK 4 and 5), the death certificate, ID proof, address proof, and a Legal Heir Certificate from the local authorities.
If a disclaimer letter is provided by all legal heirs, a court-issued succession certificate is not needed.
The postmaster checks the documents and approves the claim if everything is in order.
For claims above ₹5 lakh, a succession certificate from a civil court is mandatory, which takes time and may include legal costs.
In Case of Joint Account
If the account was held jointly, the surviving account holder can get the account transferred to their name by submitting Form SBK 1 and the death certificate of the other holder. No legal documents are required unless there is a dispute.
Important Points to Remember
Always register a nominee while opening a post office account to avoid legal issues later.
If nominee details are not updated, family members may face delays and legal formalities.
Also, a nominee does not have final ownership under inheritance laws. If there is a legal dispute, the rightful legal heirs can challenge the nominee in court.
