What to do when a First Fed Bank (Washington) account holder dies
Report the death to First Fed Bank (Washington)'s Customer Service at 1-800-800-1577
When an account holder at First Fed Bank (Washington) passes away, the next step depends on how the accounts were set up. Accounts with beneficiary designations or trust ownership transfer outside of probate. Accounts titled solely in the deceased's name require the estate's legal representative to work with First Fed Bank (Washington)'s Customer Service (1-800-800-1577) to access and distribute the funds.
Begin by calling First Fed Bank (Washington) at 1-800-800-1577. You will need the deceased's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate to get the process started.
Death claim process
The death claim process at First Fed Bank (Washington) works as follows:
Filing a claim
Required Documents
- A copy of the death certificate
- ID of the surviving account holder, to remove a deceased joint owner from the account
- A signed account change form and a new signature card, to remove a deceased joint owner from the account
- Identification of every named POD recipient, to close a payable-on-death account
- Withdrawal slips or a letter signed by every named POD recipient, to close a payable-on-death account
- Certified Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, from the personal representative closing the accountAn affidavit of disbursement of funds is accepted in their place. In the joint-owner case the bank says certified letters may also be needed.
- Identification from the executor or administrator, or next of kin, from the personal representative closing the account
- A withdrawal slip signed by the executor or administrator, or next of kin, from the personal representative closing the account
What happens to each kind of account5
- Joint account with survivorship
The surviving owner removes the deceased owner from the account with a copy of the death certificate, ID, a signed account change form and a new signature card. Certified letters and the executor's signature on the change form may also be asked for.1
- Payable-on-death account
A payable-on-death account must be closed, and the funds are split evenly among all the named POD recipients, who each show identification and sign.1
- Account in one name
The personal representative of the estate must close the deceased person's account and can open a new estate account if needed.1
- IRA
For an IRA, customer service gives instructions for the situation. The early withdrawal penalty on an IRA CD is waived on the owner's death.1, 2
- Loan
For a First Fed loan in the deceased person's name, customer service gives instructions for the situation.1
State law on paying a balance without lettersWashington
- Washington
RCW 30A.22.190(2)
Washington law permits a bank to pay from a deceased depositor's balance on an affidavit, without letters testamentary or letters of administration.RCW 30A.22.190(2)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
Limit: $2,500 held at the institution
Paid to: the surviving spouse, next of kin, funeral director, or other creditor who may appear to be entitled thereto
The section permits the payment. It does not require the bank to make it. The section sets further conditions.
RCW 30A.22.190(1)
Washington law permits a bank to pay from a deceased depositor's balance on an affidavit, without letters testamentary or letters of administration.RCW 30A.22.190(1)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
Limit: The section sets no dollar limit.
Paid to: the surviving spouse (party to a community property agreement with the decedent that reaches the funds)
The section permits the payment. It does not require the bank to make it. The section sets further conditions.
What First Fed Bank (Washington)'s agreement and guidance say1
- Fees
The fee schedule prices general research at $25.00 per hour with a $12.50 minimum, a statement copy at $5.00 each and a copy of a cancelled check at $2.00 each.3
Not in First Fed Bank (Washington)'s published guidance5
- A department for deceased-customer accounts
- A claim form
- An online way to report a death
- How long a claim takes
- Terms in its agreements for a customer's death
Sources3
- 1.Deceased Account Holder (Personal FAQs)
- 2.Individual Retirement Accounts
- 3.Schedule of General Fees and Charges, Effective Date: 05/01/2024
First Fed Bank (Washington)'s Customer Service can be reached by phone at 1-800-800-1577 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
(2)·
Data sourced from First Fed Bank (Washington) primary sources (37 pages reviewed). How we research.
First Fed Bank (Washington) death claims support
Customer Service
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your First Fed Bank (Washington) accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
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Forms for Settling an Estate
Free forms for settling an estate: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form for your state.
Affidavit of Death
Put a joint owner's or a transfer on death deed owner's death on the land records with the affidavit your state's statute names, laid out for recording.
IRS Form 56
Notify the IRS that you are the fiduciary of an estate, a trust or a person, or end a notice filed before, on the official form.
Digital Assets Recovery Letter
Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
Petition for Probate and Letters
Open probate and ask the court to appoint you and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Notice to Creditors
Notify estate creditors and start the claim period — the published notice plus mailed copies for known creditors.
Renunciation of Executor
Decline an appointment as executor named in a will — the writing filed with the court before anyone is appointed.
Tools for Settling an Estate
Free tools for settling an estate: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for your state.
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What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When an Owner Dies?
See what your state records when a joint tenant with right of survivorship dies: an affidavit, the death certificate or a new deed.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
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What Do I Do When Someone Dies?
A step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with state rules noted where they apply.
