Answer Book question

Can legal heirs claim an old unclaimed deposit decades later?

Yes. Deposits transferred to the RBI's DEA Fund after ten years of inactivity remain claimable by the depositor or legal heirs, through the bank, without a time limit. Interest is payable on savings deposits per RBI rules. Documentation is the usual deceased-claims set.

By Kerala Rising · ·

Short answer

Yes. Deposits transferred to the RBI's DEA Fund after ten years of inactivity remain claimable by the depositor or legal heirs, through the bank, without a time limit. Interest is payable on savings deposits per RBI rules. Documentation is the usual deceased-claims set.

Real life

A 1998 savings account found on UDGAM in 2025. The bank processes the heir claim with heirship certificate and indemnity; ₹1.2 lakh plus interest is paid.

What this means

Transfer to the DEA Fund is custodial, not confiscatory. The bank claims it back from RBI on your behalf.

What to check

UDGAM hit Bank's claim process Heir documents

What people often miss

Assuming old money is gone.

The Kerala / NRI angle

Many pre-2000 accounts from Gulf earners in Kerala banks are in this pool.

An example

27-year-old account, claimed in 10 weeks.

When this may not be the right answer

None.

What to do next

Search UDGAM Claim at the bank

Related questions

How do I search UDGAM for a deceased parent? What if there is no nominee?

Related Kerala Rising help

Family support

Sources and what to verify

RBI guidance on deceased depositors' claims and UDGAM portal · SEBI/AMFI transmission procedures · IRDAI claim guidelines · Kerala Registration and Revenue Department procedures for legal heirship · Indian Succession Act / Hindu Succession Act as applicable Rates, limits and whether you may qualify change. Confirm with the official source. Ask Kerala Rising: Start with a Family Asset Inventory. Send us what you know so far. even a name and a bank. and we will help you work through every place worth checking. WhatsApp +1 443 595 9000 · keralarising.com Kerala Rising › Family › After a death · After a death 18

Before you act

This page is general orientation, not personal insurance, investment, medical, legal, lending, tax, or professional advice. Rules, rates, benefits, and claim or application decisions can change. Confirm the current position with the named official source and use a licensed or qualified professional where your situation requires one. Kerala Rising does not decide whether you may qualify, approve claims, or promise an outcome.