What to do when a American Heritage account holder dies

Notify Account Services at 215-969-0777 ext. 7000, by fax at 215-969-1246, or by email at membership@amhfcu.org. For accounts with POD beneficiaries, funds are distributed directly to the named beneficiaries. For joint accounts, the surviving owner retains the account. For single-owner accounts without POD designations, the balance is payable to the estate. A certified death certificate, valid ID, and additional forms are required depending on the account type and estate value.

All situations require a certified death certificate and valid government-issued ID. Single-owner accounts require an American Heritage Information Sheet. Joint accounts require a Member Services Request Form. For single-owner accounts with a full estate over $200, a Short Certificate from the county courthouse is required. If the executor is a Class A Transferee, an L-8 Form is also needed. Pennsylvania residents with accounts payable to next of kin must complete a Family Member Affidavit signed before a notary and two witnesses.

IRA disbursement varies depending on whether a beneficiary was elected and the relationship of the beneficiary. The IRA account is closed without early withdrawal penalty. A Beneficiary IRA account is opened for the designated beneficiary(ies), and the funds are disbursed from the deceased owner's IRA to the Beneficiary IRA account(s).

You can notify American Heritage by phone at 215-969-0777 ext. 7000, by fax at 215-969-1246, by email at membership@amhfcu.org, or by visiting any branch. Include the member's name, date of birth, Social Security number or account number, and date of death along with your name and contact information.