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DCU Routing Number: 211391825

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Deceased Member

Deceased Member

How to settle the account of a loved one who has passed on.

How to Notify When a Member Passes Away

After a loved one passes on, settling their accounts can be a difficult responsibility. We hope this information related to our role in this process will be helpful.

Please call us to discuss your situation; we're here to help. We also recommend you contact your financial and legal advisors for assistance.

Below are some of the documents and forms you may need to obtain and/or complete.

  • Death Certificate — The death certificate gives us all the information needed to verify the identity and legal residence of our member. A certified copy of the death certificate can generally be obtained from the funeral home as well from the local Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
  • Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration — These documents are issued by the court when formal probate of an estate is required under applicable state law. Either of these documents serves to confirm the identity of the deceased account holder and party/parties who have authority to handle the estate. To obtain this form, please consult your personal legal counsel.
  • Next of Kin Affidavit — This form is used as certification which allows DCU to disburse funds to next of kin.
  • Affidavit of Foreign Personal Representative — This form is used as certification which allows DCU to disburse funds to the next of kin when the deceased lived outside Massachusetts or New Hampshire.
  • Request to Close Membership — This form is used to instruct DCU to close the deceased's accounts and where to disburse the funds. 

Questions you may have

Where do I get the death certificate?

A certified copy of the death certificate can generally be obtained from the funeral home as well from the local Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.

Can I send DCU a photocopy of the death certificate? 

You can send a legible photocopy; however, depending on the circumstances, we may require a certified copy.

How should I provide the death certificate to DCU?

  • Take the document to any DCU branch;
  • Fax it to 833.670.2311;
  • Email it to dne@dcu.org or
  • Mail it to:
      Digital Federal Credit Union
      Membership Maintenance
      PO Box 9130
      Marlborough, MA 01752-9130

What other documents might DCU ask for?

It depends on your specific circumstances. The laws of the state of residence of the deceased provide state-specific rules for requesting and transferring the deceased customer's funds, which may impose additional requirements. We'll work with you on what may be required specific to your needs.

How are accounts transferred after an account owner passes away?

As the specifics of each account are different, the time it may take to settle an account will also vary. We will provide you with this detailed information when you contact us.

Our Resources and Information guide (PDF, requires Install Adobe Reader for PDF) provides additional details about account ownerships, including individually owned accounts, joint accounts, and Totten (payable on death) accounts.

How long will it take for funds to be released?

As the specifics of each account are different, the time it may take to settle an account will also vary. In general, we begin to process a request as soon as we receive the necessary documents.

Are there other products or services that may require attention?

Yes, some possibilities include:

  • Direct Deposits;
  • Debits, loan payments, scheduled automatic withdrawals;
  • Individual Retirement Accounts;
  • Safe Deposit Products;
  • Trust Accounts
  • Life Insurance – If you have questions about a policy, contact Franklin Madison formerly known as Affinion Benefits Group directly at 877.309.6576 on weekdays from 8am - 9pm, Saturdays from 9:30am - 6pm.

Need more information?

Call us at: 800.328.8797 Mon-Fri from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Eastern time.