How do I claim my father's PPF account after his death?
A PPF account ends at the holder's death — it cannot be continued or transferred, and no further deposits are accepted. The balance, with interest to the end of the month before closure, is paid to the nominee on the death certificate and KYC. With no nominee, the legal heirs claim it: up to five lakh rupees on an affidavit, indemnity and NOCs, and above that on a succession certificate or legal heir certificate.
The nominee route
The nominee submits the account's claim form, the death certificate, the original passbook and their own identity and bank proof to the bank or post office holding the account. Where several nominees were named, each claims their stated share. The balance is paid out and the account closed.
With no nominee
Under the Government Savings Promotion General Rules, a claim up to five lakh rupees is settled against an affidavit of heirship, a letter of disclaimer from the other heirs and an indemnity bond, or against a legal heir certificate. Above five lakh, a succession certificate, probate or letters of administration is required. Confirm the current threshold with the office; it has been raised before.
Interest, tax and the lock-in
Interest is credited to the end of the month preceding the month of closure, not to the date of death. The proceeds remain exempt from income tax in the claimant's hands, as PPF withdrawals are. The fifteen-year lock-in does not apply to a claim on death — the account is closed whatever its age.
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Last reviewed 2026-08-31. This is general information, not legal advice. Institution requirements change — confirm before you file.