What to do when a United Community account holder dies
Contact United Community — 4-step process, 8 required documents, and 5-10 business days after all documentation is received
Customer Service
Phone1-800-822-2651
Mailing Address
United Community Bank, 200 East Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601
Private Wealth
Treasury Management
WebsiteLearn more→
Customer Service
Phone1-800-822-2651
Mailing Address
United Community Bank, 200 East Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601
Private Wealth
Treasury Management
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims
Phone1-800-822-2651
Toll-Free1-800-822-2651
Mailing Address
United Community Bank, 200 East Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601
Verified May 2026
After a United Community account holder dies, accounts with beneficiary designations or trust ownership transfer to the designated recipients without probate. Solely-owned accounts require the estate's representative to contact United Community's Death Claims at 1-800-822-2651 with the proper legal authority documents.
The claim process begins with a phone call to 1-800-822-2651. Have the account holder's full name, account numbers, and a certified death certificate available when making initial contact.
Deposit, investment & retirement accounts
To file a claim after an account holder's death, here is what United Community requires:
Filing a claim
1
Notify United Community and provide initial documentation
- Contact United Community at 1-800-822-2651 or visit a banking center to notify the bank of the account holder's death
- Provide a certified copy of the death certificate
2
Submit account-type-specific documentation
- For accounts with POD beneficiary: beneficiary presents valid government-issued ID and death certificate to claim funds
- For joint accounts with right of survivorship: surviving owner presents death certificate to remove deceased owner
- For accounts without beneficiary or survivorship: executor or administrator presents Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration along with death certificate
3
Handle trust and retirement account claims
- For trust accounts: successor trustee presents death certificate, trust documentation showing successor trustee authority, and valid ID
- For IRA accounts: beneficiary presents death certificate, valid ID, and completes distribution or inherited IRA paperwork
4
Submit documents and await processing
- Submit all required documents at a banking center or by mail
- United Community will review documentation and process the claim
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Valid government-issued ID for the claimant (beneficiary, executor, or successor trustee)
- Account information for the deceased (account number, full name)
- For accounts without beneficiary: Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from probate court
- For small estates: Small Estate Affidavit (if applicable under state law)
- For trust accounts: trust documentation showing successor trustee authority, successor trustee ID, and any amendments
- For IRA accounts: beneficiary designation verification, distribution election form, and inherited IRA application if applicable
- Written instructions regarding desired distribution method
Visiting a banking center in person is recommended for death claim processing, as document verification and signing requirements are handled more efficiently. Distribution options may include check, transfer to an existing United Community account, or wire transfer.
Mortgage and home lending
Mortgages and home equity loans are liabilities, not assets. They do not have beneficiaries and cannot be retitled to a trust. When a borrower dies, the loan obligation transfers with the property to whoever inherits it. Under the federal Garn-St. Germain Act, the lender cannot accelerate the loan or call it due when the property transfers to a surviving spouse, child, or the borrower’s revocable trust.
1
Notify United Community of the borrower's death
- Contact United Community at 1-800-822-2651 or visit a branch to report the borrower's death
- Provide the deceased borrower's full legal name, Social Security number, and loan number
- Submit a certified copy of the death certificate
2
Request recognition as a Successor in Interest
- Provide documentation proving your ownership interest in the property (e.g., probated will, court order, deed, trust document, or marriage certificate)
- United Community will review your documentation and confirm your status as a Successor in Interest under CFPB mortgage servicing rules
3
Manage the loan after confirmation
- Once confirmed, discuss options: continue making payments, apply for loss mitigation, assume the loan, refinance, or pay off the balance
- Continue making monthly mortgage payments during the review process to avoid default
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for the heir or personal representative
- Documentation proving ownership interest in the property (probated will, court order, deed, trust document, or marriage certificate)
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if going through probate)
- Loan number and borrower information
Under the federal Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act (12 U.S.C. 1701j-3), United Community cannot enforce a due-on-sale clause when the property transfers to a surviving spouse, child, relative upon death, or the borrower's revocable living trust.
How long the process takes at United Community: 5-10 business days after all documentation is received. 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 United Community includes Certified copy of the death certificate, Valid government-issued ID for the claimant (beneficiary, executor, or successor trustee), and Account information for the deceased (account number, full name), along with additional paperwork that varies by account type. All death certificates and court documents must be certified copies.
Frequently asked questions
United Community CDs allow POD beneficiaries, which transfer the CD outside of probate at the owner's death. CDs continue to maturity when titled to a revocable trust. Early withdrawal penalties are 91 days of interest for terms of 12 months or less, 182 days for terms over 12 months but under 36 months, and 365 days for terms 36 months or greater. A 10-day grace period applies after maturity.
Under the federal Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act (12 U.S.C. 1701j-3), United Community cannot enforce the due-on-sale clause when the property transfers to a surviving spouse, child, relative upon death, or the borrower's revocable living trust. Heirs confirmed as Successors in Interest under CFPB mortgage servicing rules can continue payments, assume the loan, refinance, or pay off the balance. Contact 1-800-822-2651 to begin the Successor in Interest process.
United Community's Death Claims can be reached by phone at 1-800-822-2651 for questions throughout the claims process.
Multiple United Community accounts may mean multiple claims. Some account types can be processed together, but others require their own documentation. Check with the Death Claims to confirm what applies.
Customer Service
Phone1-800-822-2651
Mailing Address
United Community Bank, 200 East Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601
Private Wealth
Treasury Management
WebsiteLearn more→
Customer Service
Phone1-800-822-2651
Mailing Address
United Community Bank, 200 East Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601
Private Wealth
Treasury Management
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims
Phone1-800-822-2651
Toll-Free1-800-822-2651
Mailing Address
United Community Bank, 200 East Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601
Verified May 2026
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