Post Office account death claim rules: How to claim money from post office after account holder’s death with or without nomination

Crores of people of the country have accounts in the post office . Through these accounts, people invest in different saving schemes of the post office. In many schemes of the post office, the interest rate is higher than that of banks.

On the other hand, people of rural areas invest more in the post office because they get convenience. There are very few bank branches in villages but post offices are available. In such a situation, if the post office account holder dies suddenly, then how can the money deposited in the account be withdrawn? Here we are telling you the complete process with and without nominee. Let us know how you can withdraw money.

Claim Process 

When an account holder or post office certificate holder dies, his deposited money can be claimed by his nominee, legal heir or other entitled person. The procedure depends on whether a nominee has been made or not. 

Three ways to claim

1. Nominee: The simplest and easiest way is nominee. If someone is made a nominee then he can easily claim the money. 
2. Legal proof: You can make a claim even if you have a will or succession certificate. 
3. Without Nominee (up to Rs 5 lakh): In cases without a nominee, affidavit and indemnity documents are required after a waiting period of six months. Succession certificate is mandatory for settlement of claim without a nominee.

What is the claim process?

Nominee can claim from post office website (e.g., Form SB-84 for Post Office Savings Schemes). 

Aadhaar, PAN, Address Proof and recent photograph of the nominee have to be submitted along with the death certificate. 

Claim through legal proof?

If the deceased has left a will, then a claim can be made on the basis of these. To make a claim, claim form, original or attested copy of death certificate, and legal proof, probate of will, succession certificate, 

KYC and claim form of the claimant(s) needs to be submitted. Once verified, the legal heirs will receive the funds, as per the legal documents submitted. 

How to claim without nominee (up to Rs 5 lakh)? 

To claim without a nominee, submit the claim form and the original or attested copy of the death certificate, KYC documents of the claimant along with the required documents at the post office after a waiting period of six months from the date of death of the depositor. After verification, the claim is processed.