What to do when a Vermont Federal account holder dies
Report the death to Vermont Federal at 1-888-252-0202
After a member of Vermont Federal dies, Vermont Federal manages the transfer of accounts. POD-designated and trust-owned accounts pass directly to beneficiaries. Accounts held solely in the member's name may require probate court documents—Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration—before funds can be released.
Before contacting Vermont Federal, have the account holder's full name, date of birth, and any available account numbers ready.
Death claim process
The death claim process at Vermont Federal works as follows:
Filing a claim
Required Documents
- Court order appointing the executor or administrator, to open or maintain an estate account
What happens to each kind of account6
- Joint account with survivorship
On a joint account with survivorship, the balance (subject to any previous pledge) belongs to the surviving owner or owners.1, 2
- Payable-on-death account
Beneficiaries cannot withdraw until 90 days have passed since the last surviving account holder died, the beneficiary is then living, and within those 90 days the credit union has not been served with process by the account holder's personal representative or with a probate court order prohibiting payment.1
Two or more surviving beneficiaries own the account in equal shares, without right of survivorship.1
- Trust account
On a revocable trust account designated on the signature card, at the death of the surviving trustee the deposit may be paid to the person for whom the deposit was made, or to that person's estate.1, 2
- Account in one name
Under the Bylaws, the share account of a deceased member (other than one held in joint tenancy with another member) may be continued until the close of the dividend period in which the administration of the estate is completed.2
- Fiduciary account
Accounts may be opened and maintained by executors or administrators under court orders.1, 2
The Membership Agreement lists an Estate Share Draft (Checking) Account with no minimum balance requirement. It is not eligible for a debit card.1
- Certificate of deposit
On term share certificates, the Membership Agreement states that in certain circumstances such as the death of an owner, the law permits, or in some cases requires, the waiver of the early withdrawal penalty.1
What Vermont Federal's agreement and guidance say2
- Payments after the death
The credit union may continue to honor checks, items and instructions until it knows of the death and has had a reasonable opportunity to act. It may pay checks drawn on or before the date of death for up to ten days after the death unless ordered to stop payment by someone claiming an interest in the account.1
- Disputes between claimants
The credit union may place an administrative hold on account funds subject to a claim by others claiming an interest as survivors or beneficiaries, for as long as it believes reasonably necessary to allow a legal proceeding to determine the claim.1
Not in Vermont Federal's published guidance2
- A procedure for reporting a death
- How long a claim takes
Sources2
- 1.Consumer Membership Agreement, March 2026
- 2.Bylaws
Sources
Data sourced from Vermont Federal primary sources (29 pages reviewed). How we research.
Vermont Federal death claims support
Member Contact Center
Phone
Toll-free
Member Contact Center
Loan Call Center
Business Services
Mortgage Department
Fax
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Death notifications go through general customer service.
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Learn how to protect your Vermont Federal accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
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