Managing United Accounts After a Loved One Passes Away
In this article:
- What happens on United’s side when a death is reported
- Documents to gather
- Joint accounts with a deceased Member
- Share certificates with a deceased Member
- Guidelines for beneficiaries
Losing someone you love is never easy, and navigating their financial matters in the midst of grief can feel overwhelming. At United, we’re here to support you with compassion, clarity, and step‑by‑step guidance. When a Member passes away, our priority is to protect their accounts, help surviving family members understand what comes next, and make the process as simple and secure as possible. Whether you’re gathering documents, closing accounts, or managing joint or estate needs, this guide will walk you through each step with care—so you can focus on what truly matters during this difficult time.
How United Manages Member Deaths
When a Member passes away, a deceased Member Service Case is created so all back-office departments are alerted. Accounts may be locked down temporarily to prevent transactions until proper documentation is gathered.
Gather Documents
To begin settling accounts, you’ll be asked to provide certain documents. United is required to have the death certificate and court documents showing the person we’re speaking with is the legal personal representative or executor. We’ll need to verify the identity of the person we’re speaking with before we can discuss the deceased Member’s accounts.
Documents You’ll Need
- Death Certificate: A certified copy that lets United officially update the account and release funds.
- Your ID: Any valid identification for the surviving owner or the person handling the estate.
- Proof You’re Allowed to Act on the Estate: This could be court papers that name you as the personal representative or executor.
- Estate Documents (if needed): If an estate is opened, you may need Letters of Authority or Letters Testamentary showing you’re authorized to manage it.
- Account Closing Form: Only needed if you choose to close the member’s accounts. Members can find this form through United’s branch staff or on request during the account‑closing process.
Also helpful to have:
- United account information
- Estate EIN (if one is created for the estate account)
- Documentation showing relationship (if applicable)
Joint Owner Accounts
Joint accounts with the deceased Member must be closed within six months, or by the end of the calendar year. This prevents unnecessary IRS reporting under the deceased member’s Tax ID. United will report any earnings to the IRS with the Tax ID Number. Joint account owners can transfer the funds to their personal United account, or an external account before closing the joint account. New accounts must be established if the Tax Reported Owner needs to change.
Steps to take for joint accounts:
- Take care of outstanding items with joint account
- Joint owners can transfer funds to existing personal account
- Joint owners without personal accounts can create a new United account, or transfer to an external account
- Close the joint accounts within six months or December 31st of the year of death – whichever comes first
Share Certificates
Early withdrawal penalties are waived due to death If the deceased Member was the Tax Reported Owner. Surviving joint owners can have the share certificate rebuilt with the same terms, listing them as the Tax Reported Owner. Beneficiaries can’t keep the same share certificate, but can reinvest the funds in another share certificate choosing from our current offers.
Beneficiaries
In order for beneficiaries to get access to funds, United must first receive the death certificate and confirm there are no surviving joint owners. If there were two people on a joint account, one had already passed, and the remaining Member recently deceased, United will need to have death certificates for both Members before funds can be released to a beneficiary. In some cases, United may already have the death certificate of the Member that previously passed away. If there are multiple beneficiaries listed, the person requesting the funds will receive their designated percentage. If the beneficiary is a minor, the funds can be payable to them, or to a parent/guardian.
IRA Accounts
IRA accounts will take longer to distribute as all requests will need to follow IRS compliance process.
Digital Banking Access & Linked Accounts
If the deceased Member’s account is linked to a surviving Member’s account, United can securely unlink the account to prevent unauthorized transfers.
Estate Accounts
Funds can be moved into an estate account once documentation (such as Letters of Authority) is provided.
Closing Accounts
Survivors or the estate representative can complete the Account Closing Authorization form to close the account. Remaining funds can be transferred to another United account or issued as a check.
Unclaimed funds
If no one claims the funds, the accounts will be closed and the funds escheated to the state after the required time has passed.
We’re here for U
Managing a loved one’s finances after they pass away can feel overwhelming, but United is here to guide you with care and clarity. Knowing the essential steps to take after a United member’s death, and the key documents you’ll need—like a certified death certificate and estate paperwork is a good starting point.
We’re here to help you understand how joint accounts, share certificates, digital access, and estate accounts are handled, along with the timelines and options available to surviving family members. United’s Member Service Advisors are always ready to help you navigate account closures, transfers, and estate needs with compassion and support. You’re not alone—United is here to make this process as simple, safe, and stress‑free as possible.
FAQ: How to Manage United Accounts After a Loved One Passes Away
What should I do first after my loved one, a United member, passes away?
Please notify United as soon as you are able. This allows us to protect the member’s accounts and begin the proper steps. United will immediately record the notification and temporarily secure the accounts even if a death certificate is not yet available.
Do I need a death certificate right away?
No. United begins the account‑protection process upon notification. However, a certified death certificate will be required later to finalize account updates, close accounts, or open an estate account.
What documents will United ask me for?
Common documents include:
- A certified death certificate
- Identification for surviving owners or the estate representative
- Letters of Authority/Letters Testamentary, if applicable
- An Account Closing Authorization Form if accounts will be closed
Can a joint owner keep using the account after the primary owner dies?
Yes, but only for a short period. Joint owners should wrap up any pending transactions and plan to close or re‑establish accounts within six months or by December 31 of the year of death, whichever comes first. This prevents future IRS reporting under the deceased member’s Tax ID.
What are the options for a surviving joint owner?
- If the joint owner is already a United member, they may transfer the funds into their own account.
- If not a member, they may choose to join United or move the funds to another institution
What happens to Share Certificates (CDs)?
If the deceased person was the Tax Reported Owner:
- Early‑withdrawal penalties are waived.
- Surviving joint owners may keep the certificate and have it rebuilt under a new Tax Reported Owner with the same terms, once all surviving owners approve.
Can I open an estate account at United?
Yes. Estate accounts are eligible for membership as long as the deceased member was in good standing at the time of their passing.
How does United protect my loved one’s money during this process?
United may temporarily lock accounts to prevent unauthorized transactions. A Deceased Member Service Case is also created to ensure all departments follow proper steps to safeguard funds.
How do I close my loved one’s accounts?
You may complete the Account Closing Authorization Form and choose whether remaining funds should be transferred to another United account or issued as a check.
What happens to digital banking access and linked accounts?
United removes digital access and any “Member‑to‑Member” quick‑linked accounts following a secure review in our digital banking system. This ensures that no unauthorized transactions occur.
Who can I contact for help?
A United Member Service Advisor (MSA) can walk you through next steps with care and clarity.