What to do when a SPS account holder dies
Report the death to SPS's Deceased borrower documents
When an account holder at SPS dies, the executor contacts the Deceased borrower documents to report the death and request the balance as of the date of death. The balance is a claim against the estate: it is paid from estate assets, in the order the state sets, before anything reaches the heirs.
Gather the account holder's full name, date of birth, and any known account or policy numbers before contacting SPS.
Death claim process
Follow these steps to file a death claim with SPS:
Filing a claim
- A certified copy of the decedent's death certificate
- A document establishing the identity and legal interest of the successor in interest to the property
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificateDo not send originals; SPS states they will not be returned.
- Document establishing the successor in interest's identity and legal interestFor example a signed will, deed, probate documents, small estate affidavit, trust document, or court order.
What happens to each kind of account1
Federal law on calling a home loan after a death
These exemptions apply to a loan secured by residential real property containing less than five dwelling units.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d); 12 CFR 191.5(b), 141.14Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer by devise, descent, or operation of law on the death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(3); 12 CFR 191.5(b)(1)(iii)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer to a relative resulting from the death of a borrower.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(5)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer where the spouse or children of the borrower become an owner of the property.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(6)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
A federal regulation sets further conditions on these transfers.12 CFR 191.5(b)(1)(v)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
What SPS provides to the estate1
- Payoff statement
A payoff quote shows the amount needed to pay the loan in full. Request it on SPS's website, by calling Customer Service at 1-800-258-8602, by mail to Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc., Attn: Payoff Dept., P.O. Box 65250, Salt Lake City, UT 84165-0250, or by fax to 801-269-4269.1
A mailed or faxed request includes the account number and says whether the quote should be faxed or mailed back. SPS processes it within five business days of receipt. A quote is generally valid for 30 days unless a different time frame is requested or state law requires otherwise.1
Not in SPS's published guidance1
- How long a claim takes
SPS's Deceased borrower documents can be reached by fax at 1-801-269-4405 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from SPS primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.
SPS death claims support
Deceased borrower documents (mail or fax)
Deceased borrower documents, toll-free fax
Fax
Mailing address
Website
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