SBI Death Claim Process: Step-by-Step Guide

When a family member passes away, claiming their SBI bank account is often one of the first financial tasks families need to handle. As India’s largest bank with over 50 crore customers, SBI has a structured process for settling deceased accounts.

The good news: SBI has simplified the process significantly. Claims up to ₹15 lakh can now be settled without a succession certificate if there’s no dispute among legal heirs.

This guide covers everything you need to know - whether the account has a nominee or not.

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Quick Overview

Scenario	Documents Needed	Timeline
With Nominee	Claim form + Death certificate + KYC	~15 days
Joint Account (E/S)	Simple application + Death certificate	~7-10 days
Without Nominee (≤₹15 lakh)	Claim form + Legal heir certificate + Indemnity	~15-30 days
Without Nominee (>₹15 lakh)	Above + Succession Certificate	3-6 months

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Scenario 1: Account Has a Nominee

This is the simplest case. If the deceased had registered a nominee, you can claim the funds directly.

Documents Required

1. Claim Application Form (Available at branch or online)
2. Death Certificate (Original for verification + photocopy)
3. KYC Documents of Nominee:
   • Aadhaar card
   • PAN card
   • Passport-size photograph
4. Nominee’s Bank Account Details (for fund transfer)

Process

Option A: Online (Recommended)

1. Visit bank.sbi → Customer Care → Deceased Claim Settlement
2. Or go directly to crcf.bank.sbi
3. Select “Claim Request for Deceased Settlement for Deposit Accounts”
4. Enter deceased customer’s details (account number, name)
5. Upload required documents:
   • Death certificate
   • Your KYC documents
6. Select preferred branch for verification
7. Submit and note the reference number
8. Visit the branch with original documents for verification
9. Sign required forms at the branch
10. Funds transferred to your account

Option B: Branch Visit

1. Visit the SBI branch where the account is held
2. Collect the deceased claim settlement form
3. Submit filled form with all documents
4. Complete verification process
5. Funds released to nominee’s account

Timeline

• Processing: 8 days from document submission
• Payment: Within 7 days after processing
• Total: ~15 days (if all documents are in order)

Important Notes

• The nominee receives funds as a trustee, not as the owner
• Legal heirs can still claim from the nominee later if needed
• Nominee must provide their own bank account for fund transfer

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Scenario 2: Joint Account with Survivorship Clause

If the account was held jointly with “Either or Survivor” (E/S) or “Anyone or Survivor” (A/S) mandate, the surviving account holder(s) can claim the balance directly.

Documents Required

1. Simple Application to the branch
2. Death Certificate (Original for verification + photocopy)
3. Surviving Holder’s KYC (if not already updated)

Process

1. Visit the home branch of the account
2. Submit application requesting transfer of balance to survivor
3. Provide death certificate
4. Bank removes deceased holder’s name
5. Account continues with surviving holder(s)

Timeline

7-10 days typically

Important Notes

• No need for nominee claim form
• No need for legal heir certificate
• The surviving holder becomes the sole owner
• Account can continue to operate normally after update

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Scenario 3: No Nominee, Amount ≤ ₹15 Lakh

SBI has a Simplified Procedure for claims up to ₹15 lakh without requiring a succession certificate. This applies when:

• No nomination was registered
• No survivorship clause exists
• No dispute among legal heirs
• Deceased died intestate (without a will)

Documents Required

1. Claim Application Form (Annexure I-B)
2. Death Certificate (Original + photocopy)
3. Legal Heir Certificate (from Tehsildar/SDM)
4. KYC Documents of All Claimants:
   • Aadhaar card
   • PAN card
   • Photographs
5. Affidavit on ₹100 stamp paper (notarized) declaring:
   • List of all legal heirs
   • No dispute exists
   • Details are true
6. Letter of Indemnity (Annexure C) - indemnifying the bank
7. Letter of Disclaimer (Annexure A) - from heirs not claiming (if applicable)

Process

1. Gather Documents:

   • Obtain death certificate from municipal authority
   • Get legal heir certificate from Tehsildar
   • Prepare affidavits and indemnity bond

2. Submit Claim:

   • Visit the home branch OR
   • Submit online at crcf.bank.sbi

3. Verification:

   • Bank verifies documents
   • May contact legal heirs for confirmation

4. Settlement:

   • Once approved, funds transferred to claimant(s)
   • All heirs must agree on distribution

Timeline

15-30 days (assuming no complications)

Important Notes

• All legal heirs must sign the indemnity bond
• If any heir doesn’t want to claim, they must sign a disclaimer
• Bank may require surety for amounts between ₹5-15 lakh

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Scenario 4: No Nominee, Amount > ₹15 Lakh

For larger amounts without nomination, you’ll need legal representation.

Documents Required

Everything from Scenario 3, PLUS:

1. Succession Certificate from Civil Court, OR
2. Probate of Will (if deceased left a will), OR
3. Letter of Administration (if will exists but no executor named)

Process

1. Apply for Succession Certificate:

   • File petition in District Court
   • Pay court fee (2-3% of claim amount)
   • Court publishes notice
   • Hearing after 45 days (typically)
   • Certificate issued if no objections

2. Submit to Bank:

   • Provide succession certificate to SBI branch
   • Submit claim application with all documents
   • Bank verifies and processes claim

Timeline

• Succession Certificate: 3-6 months
• Bank processing: 15-30 days after certificate
• Total: 4-7 months typically

Alternative: If There’s a Will

If the deceased left a registered will:

1. Apply for Probate (mandatory in some cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai)
2. Or submit will with Letter of Administration
3. Court verifies authenticity
4. Bank releases funds per will’s instructions

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Online Claim Portal: Step-by-Step

SBI’s online portal makes the initial submission easier.

How to Access

1. Go to bank.sbi
2. Click on Customer Care (top menu)
3. Select Deceased Claim Settlement
4. Or visit directly: crcf.bank.sbi

What You Can Do Online

• Submit claim request
• Upload documents
• Track claim status
• Download required forms

Steps to Submit Online

1. Start New Claim:

   • Click “Claim Request for Deceased Settlement”
   • Select account type (Savings/Current/FD)

2. Enter Deceased’s Details:

   • Account number
   • Name
   • Date of death
   • CIF number (if known)

3. Enter Claimant Details:

   • Your relationship with deceased
   • Your contact information
   • Your bank account details

4. Upload Documents:

   • Death certificate (PDF/JPG)
   • Your Aadhaar (PDF/JPG)
   • PAN card
   • Other required documents

5. Select Branch:

   • Choose branch for physical verification
   • Can be different from home branch

6. Submit:

   • Review all details
   • Submit application
   • Note reference number

After Online Submission

• You’ll receive SMS/email confirmation
• Visit selected branch within 90 days with originals
• Complete remaining formalities at branch

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Documents Checklist

Always Required

Document	Purpose
Death Certificate	Proof of death
Claimant’s Aadhaar	Identity verification
Claimant’s PAN	Tax compliance
Passport Photo	For records
Bank Account Details	To receive funds

Additional (Without Nominee)

Document	Purpose
Legal Heir Certificate	Proof of relationship
Affidavit	Declaration by heirs
Indemnity Bond	Protects bank from future claims
Disclaimer Letters	From non-claiming heirs

For Large Amounts (>₹15 Lakh)

Document	Purpose
Succession Certificate	Court authorization
OR Probate	Will verification
OR Letter of Administration	Court appointment

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Fixed Deposits (FD) and Recurring Deposits (RD)

The process for FDs and RDs is the same as savings accounts, with one addition:

• Premature Closure: FDs can be closed without penalty on death
• Interest: Full interest up to date of death is paid
• Multiple FDs: Each FD claim must be filed separately (same documents work)

What Happens to FD Interest?

• Interest accrued till date of death: Paid to claimants
• Interest after death (if FD continues): Taxable as claimant’s income

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Safe Deposit Locker

If the deceased had a locker at SBI, the process is similar but with additional steps:

1. Submit locker claim request
2. Bank schedules inventory in presence of claimant + bank officials
3. Contents listed and handed over to claimant
4. Claim settled as per nomination/legal heir rules

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Common Reasons for Delay

Issue	Solution
Missing documents	Submit all documents together; check list carefully
Name mismatch	Get affidavit explaining variations in name
Incomplete forms	Fill all fields; don’t leave anything blank
Multiple branches	Consolidate claims at one branch if possible
Dispute among heirs	May need court intervention; seek legal advice
90-day deadline missed	Claim expires; need to restart process

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does SBI take to settle a death claim?

With nomination and complete documents: ~15 days Without nomination (simplified procedure): 15-30 days With succession certificate: 15-30 days after certificate is ready

Can I claim from any SBI branch?

You can submit documents at any branch, but the claim is processed at the home branch where the account was opened.

What if the deceased had accounts at multiple SBI branches?

You’ll need to file separate claims for each branch. However, the same set of documents (legal heir certificate, etc.) can be used.

Is there a time limit to file a claim?

There’s no official time limit, but:

• File as soon as possible to avoid complications
• Accounts may become “dormant” or “inoperative” after 2-3 years of inactivity
• Interest may stop accruing on dormant accounts

What happens if nominees and legal heirs are different?

The nominee receives the money first. Legal heirs can later claim from the nominee through civil court if needed. The bank’s responsibility ends after paying the nominee.

Can NRIs claim deceased SBI accounts?

Yes, NRIs can claim. Additional documents needed:

• Valid passport
• Visa/OCI card
• Power of Attorney (if claiming through representative in India)

What if the account has a loan outstanding?

• Loan amount is deducted from the account balance
• If balance is insufficient, legal heirs may be liable
• Some loans have insurance that covers death

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Contact Information

Channel	Details
Toll-Free	1800-1234 / 1800-2100 / 1800-11-2211
Online Portal	crcf.bank.sbi
Email	[email protected]
SMS (Complaints)	UNHAPPY to 8008 20 20 20

For branch-specific queries, visit the nearest SBI branch with account details.

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Tips for Faster Settlement

1. Add nominees now - Tell your family members to add nominees to all accounts
2. Keep documents ready - Death certificate, legal heir certificate in multiple copies
3. Use online portal - Faster than branch visit for initial submission
4. Submit complete application - Missing documents cause the most delays
5. Follow up regularly - Check status online or call customer care
6. Meet the 90-day deadline - Submit all required documents within 90 days

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The Bottom Line

SBI has made the deceased claim process more accessible with online submission and simplified procedures for smaller amounts. The key to a smooth claim:

1. Check if nomination exists - Makes everything simpler
2. Gather all documents first - Don’t start without complete paperwork
3. Use the online portal - For faster processing
4. Meet deadlines - 90 days to submit required documents

While dealing with paperwork during grief is difficult, knowing the process beforehand makes it manageable. If possible, ensure your own accounts have nominees registered - it’s the single most important thing you can do to help your family.