The bank is refusing to release my father's money. What can I do?
First, get the refusal in writing with the reason, because a branch "not able to help" and a formal rejection are different things. Then escalate inside the bank — its grievance cell and nodal officer — citing the Reserve Bank's direction that deceased claims be settled promptly against a complete file. If thirty days pass without resolution, complain to the RBI's Integrated Ombudsman online. Banks respond to that step quickly.
Work out what kind of refusal it is
Often the branch is not refusing the claim; it is refusing to process an incomplete one, and has not said so clearly. Ask, in writing, exactly which document is missing or which rule is being applied. If the answer is a specific document, supply it. If the answer is that the balance is above their limit and needs a succession certificate, that is a legitimate position, not obstruction.
A genuine refusal — declining a nominee's claim, demanding a succession certificate for a small balance, or simply not responding — is what the escalation route is for.
Escalate, in this order
One: a written complaint to the branch manager, keeping a copy. Two: the bank's customer grievance cell and its principal nodal officer, whose details every bank must publish. Cite the Reserve Bank's directions on settlement of deceased depositors' claims, which require banks to settle nominee claims within fifteen days of complete documents and to have simplified procedures for claims without nomination.
Three: if the bank does not resolve it within thirty days of your complaint, file with the RBI Integrated Ombudsman at cms.rbi.org.in. It is free, online, and banks treat an ombudsman complaint with a seriousness that a branch visit never gets.
What we do
We prepare the file so it is complete the first time, which removes most refusals before they happen, and the pack includes the escalation letter, ready to send, in case they do.
Find out what your case needs
The free check applies all of the above to your actual family and your actual accounts, and tells you the shares and the document list in two minutes.
Related
Last reviewed 2026-08-31. This is general information, not legal advice. Institution requirements change — confirm before you file.