What to do when a GreenState CU account holder dies
Contact GreenState CU — 5-step process, 5 required documents, and pod and joint accounts processed within days of document verification; non-pod accounts vary based on probate requirements and iowa or applicable state law
Member Services (Death Claims)
Phone1-800-397-3790
Toll-Free1-800-397-3790
Mailing Address
PO Box 800, North Liberty, IA 52317-0800
Verified Apr 2026
When a GreenState CU member passes away, the Member Services (Death Claims) handles the transition of accounts to beneficiaries or the estate. Accounts with Payable on Death designations or trust ownership transfer outside of probate, while solely-owned accounts may require Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the probate court.
The claim process can be initiated by phone at 1-800-397-3790 or by sending documentation to service@greenstate.org. Have the account holder's full name, account numbers, and a certified death certificate available when making initial contact.
Death claim process
To file a claim after an account holder's death, here is what GreenState CU requires:
Filing a claim
1
Contact GreenState Credit Union at (800) 397-3790 or visit any branch to report the death of a member
2
A member service representative will review the deceased member's accounts and ownership structures
3
Provide required identification documents:
- Certified death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for the claimant
4
Settlement process varies by account type:
- POD accounts: funds distributed directly to named beneficiaries upon verification of death certificate and ID
- Joint accounts with right of survivorship: surviving owner retains full ownership of the account
- Accounts without POD or joint ownership: Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration required
- IRA accounts: beneficiary designation on file determines distribution; beneficiaries must provide ID and complete distribution election forms
- Trust-titled accounts: successor trustee provides trust documentation and death certificate to assume management
5
Account settlement summary provided once all documents are verified and processed
Required Documents
- Certified death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for claimant
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (for accounts without POD, joint ownership, or trust titling)
- Trust documents and successor trustee identification (for trust-titled accounts)
- Small estate affidavit (if applicable under Iowa law)
GreenState Credit Union does not accept or interpret wills. For members with trust and estate planning services through GreenState Trust Services (Members Trust Company), separate contact with the Trust team may be required. Trust Services phone: contact through greenstate.org/invest-insure/trust/trust-services.
How long the process takes at GreenState CU: POD and joint accounts processed within days of document verification; non-POD accounts vary based on probate requirements and Iowa or applicable state law. The most common reason for delays is missing or incomplete documentation, so submitting everything upfront is the best way to keep things moving.
Documentation required by GreenState CU includes Certified death certificate, Government-issued photo ID for claimant, and Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (for accounts without POD, joint ownership, or trust titling), along with additional paperwork that varies by account type. All death certificates and court documents must be certified copies.
Frequently asked questions
Visit any GreenState branch or call (800) 397-3790 to request a Payable on Death (POD) beneficiary designation form. Provide each beneficiary's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and relationship. Specify percentage allocations for multiple beneficiaries. All account holders must sign the form. POD is available on checking, savings, money market, and certificate accounts.
Contact GreenState at (800) 397-3790 or visit any branch. Provide a certified death certificate and your government-issued photo ID. A member service representative will review the deceased member's accounts, confirm ownership structures and beneficiaries, and guide you through the settlement process. POD accounts are distributed directly to named beneficiaries.
At minimum, a certified death certificate and government-issued photo ID for the claimant. Additional documents depend on account type: Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration for accounts without POD or joint ownership, trust documents and successor trustee ID for trust-titled accounts, or a small estate affidavit if applicable under Iowa law.
GreenState CU's Member Services (Death Claims) can be reached by phone at 1-800-397-3790 and email at service@greenstate.org for questions throughout the claims process.
If the deceased held multiple GreenState CU accounts, each may require a separate claim or have different documentation requirements. The Member Services (Death Claims) can confirm which accounts require individual attention and which can be processed together.
Member Services (Death Claims)
Phone1-800-397-3790
Toll-Free1-800-397-3790
Mailing Address
PO Box 800, North Liberty, IA 52317-0800
Verified Apr 2026
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