Decedent Resources
Your guide to what to do when a loved one passes away.
What do I do after my loved one has passed?
We understand this is an emotionally stressful time, and that navigating through a loved one's financial affairs can be challenging.
The Credit Union cannot provide legal counsel or advice. If you are the trustee of the decedent’s trust, or executor or administrator of the decedent’s estate, please consult with an attorney, financial advisor, CPA, and/or probate court official for specific concerns/questions regarding your responsibilities, the probate or trust administration process, or estate settlement.
This information packet has been created to help guide you through the account settlement process.
Required documents when contacting us for account settlement:
- Certified copy of the death certificate (required)
- Photo ID (required for claimants and/or trust/estate representatives)
- Any applicable documents (required if you are not a joint member or beneficiary listed on the account)
- CA Probate Form 13100 (also known as a Small Estate Affidavit)
- Certification of Trust (for trust administration)
- Letters Testamentary (decedent had a Will)
- Letters of Administration (decedent left no Will)
These documents can be obtained with the assistance of an attorney. Some items require the court’s involvement, while others do not.
Who can receive information on the deceased member’s account:
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A joint member on the account
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The successor trustee on a trust holding the decedent’s accounts
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A beneficiary of the account
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The verified executor of the estate
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The verified administrator
Information about specific account ownerships
Single-owner Accounts
Deceased depositor claims made against Individual accounts where no joint owners or beneficiaries are found may be accepted with an original, notarized letter/form/claim per CA Probate 13100 following 40 days after the date of death, along with a certified copy of death certificate. Other documents may be required under specific circumstances.
Joint Accounts
All joint accounts are established with right of survivorship, which means that any surviving owner becomes the owner of the account after one owner passes away. The title of the account will be updated to reflect the names of the surviving owner(s) once we have the certified copy of the death certificate, updated signature card, and, if required, state-specific documents.
Trust Accounts
Claims to funds held in Revocable/Irrevocable Living Trust Accounts can only be processed for the named Successor Trustee(s) of the Trust with a death certificate and Certification of Trust document.
California State Resources
Vital Statistics (Certified copies of death certificate)
916.445.2684
www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx
(Please note, you may also visit the County office where the death occurred to obtain a certified copy of a death certificate, if you prefer.)
California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)
800.852.5711
www.ftb.ca.gov
County Court System
www.courts.ca.gov
California State Retirement Systems
California Public Employee’s Retirement System (CalPERS)
888.225.7377
www.calpers.ca.gov
California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS)
800.228.5453
www.calstrs.com
Federal Resources
Social Security Administration
(800) 722-1213
Santa Cruz Office: 800.593.8523
www.ssa.gov
Internal Revenue Service
(Obtain an EIN/tax assistance)
800.829.1040
www.irs.gov
Department of the Treasury
(Government payments/checks)
855.868.0151
www.fiscal.treasury.gov
Military Resources
Department of Veterans Affairs
For settlement of veteran insurance programs such as SGLI, VGLI, USGLI, or DIC. Benefits for the surviving spouse and eligible children. Survivor, beneficiary and burial benefits.
800.827.1000
www.va.gov
To request DD214 military record form: 866.272.6272
www.archives.gov
Office of Personnel Management
To report the death and check on benefits if the deceased member was a retired Civil Service employee.
888.767.6738
opm.gov
CA State Department of Veterans Affairs
800.952.5626
calvet.ca.gov
Defense Finance & Accounting
For settlement of military retired pay and for survivor annuity benefits such as RSFPP, SBP, RCSBP and SSBP.
800.321.1080
www.dfas.mil
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
Provides a support network for the surviving families of those who have died in service to America.
800.959.TAPS
www.taps.org
Military OneSource
For military and family support services, information and links to the Red Cross and other military emergency resources.
800.342.9647
www.militaryonesource.mil
Have more questions?
We understand this is an emotionally stressful time, and that navigating through a loved one's financial affairs can be challenging. Our Decedent Information Packet has been created to help answer your questions and guide you through the account settlement process.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to visit your local branch, or give us a call at 831.479.6000 or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED.