If you or someone in your family had a savings or deposit account with State Bank of India (SBI) and the account holder has passed away, the money in that account can still be claimed.
To make things easier for families, SBI has simplified the deceased claim process.
There are clearer rules, a defined list of documents, and even an online application option.
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how it works.
What Is a Deceased Claim?
A deceased claim is the process through which the nominee or legal heir of a person who has passed away can withdraw the remaining money from their bank account.
This applies to:
Savings accounts
Fixed deposits (FDs)
Recurring deposits (RDs)
Other SBI deposit accounts
SBI has updated its rules to reduce paperwork and make the process less stressful for families during a difficult time.
Who Can Claim the Money?
The following people are eligible to apply:
The nominee registered in the bank account
Legal heirs (if no nominee is registered)
Executor or administrator of the estate (with proper legal documents)
The bank will verify your relationship and documents before releasing the funds.
If a nominee is already registered, the process is usually much faster.
How to Apply Online
SBI now allows you to apply for a deceased claim online, which means you may not need to visit the branch immediately.
Here’s how the process works:
Visit the official SBI website.
Go to the “Deceased Claim” section.
Fill in details of the account holder and your relationship.
Upload scanned copies of required documents.
Submit the form and save the reference number.
The bank may contact you if additional verification is needed.
This online facility helps save time and reduces physical visits to the branch.
Documents You Will Need
To process the claim, you typically need:
Death certificate of the account holder
Account details or passbook
Nominee’s ID and address proof
Legal heir or succession certificate (if no nominee exists)
Executor documents (if applicable)
Make sure all documents are clear and valid.
Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay the process.
How SBI Processes the Claim
Once your application is submitted:
The bank verifies the death certificate.
It checks nomination details in its records.
If there is no nominee, legal heir documents are examined.
After verification, the claim amount is credited to the claimant’s account or paid as per bank policy.
The time taken depends on whether a nominee is registered and how quickly documents are verified.
Important Things to Remember
Always keep nominee details updated in your own bank accounts.
If there is no nominee, be ready with proper legal certificates.
Track your application using the reference number.
Follow up with the bank if there is an unusual delay.
Why This Is Important
After losing a loved one, handling financial formalities can be overwhelming.
A smooth claim process ensures families can access funds without unnecessary complications.
SBI’s simplified rules and online system are designed to reduce stress and speed up access to money when it’s needed most.
Bottom Line
If you need to settle an SBI account after the account holder’s death:
Check if a nominee is registered.
Gather all required documents.
Apply online or visit the nearest branch.
Track your claim status.
With the updated process, claiming funds from an SBI account is now clearer, faster, and more straightforward for families.
