At Chevron Federal Credit Union, we understand that managing financial matters after the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming.
If you have recently lost a family member who was a member of our Credit Union, please know that our team is here to support you. We will guide you through the claim process and any necessary account adjustments, ensuring everything is handled with care and efficiency.
Review the information below to learn about the documentation required to initiate a claim, and what you can expect throughout the asset transfer process.
Notifying the Credit Union When you contact us, please provide the following essential information:
If available, you may also include other relevant information about the decedent (e.g., date of birth) with your initial notification.
Documents Required to Initiate a ClaimThe original death certificate or a certified copy is required to initiate a claim. The original death certificate will be returned to you.
Each situation is unique, and additional documents may be required depending on the state where the membership account was established or the state of residence.
After your initial contact, our team will send you a letter outlining the documents needed to process your claim. This letter will also specify the deadline for submitting these documents to the Credit Union.
Use the following comprehensive checklist to identify the required information based on the type of account you are handling. If you are unsure about the account type, please contact us at 510-627-5000 or 800-232-8101.
Account Types| Account Type: Individual | |
|---|---|
| Description | Owned solely by one member |
| Information Required to Initiate a Claim | If you are named as a beneficiary on the account:
If you are not named as a beneficiary on the account:
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| Account Type: Joint Ownership | |
|---|---|
| Description |
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| Information Required to Initiate a Claim |
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| Important Information |
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| Account Type: Trust | |
|---|---|
| Description | An account holding assets in a Trust’s name |
| Information Required to Initiate a Claim |
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| Important Information | In some circumstances, we may require a copy of the Trust that identifies the Successor Trustee. |
PhoneWithin the U.S.: Call 800-232-8101. Press 0 to speak with a representative.
Outside the U.S.: Call 510-627-5000. Press 0 to speak with a representative.
Call Center Hours:
Monday – Friday: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Secure
Email
Members with access to Digital Banking can use Secure Email to send messages and attachments.
How to access Secure Email:
BranchesMembers can access their account(s) at any Chevron Federal Credit Union branch.
OnlineUse the Contact Us form for general questions. Do not include sensitive information like Social Security numbers.
FaxSecure Fax: 510-627-5032
MailMailing address:
Chevron Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 4107
Concord, CA 94524
For express deliveries:
Chevron Federal Credit Union
2300 Clayton Road, Suite 700
Concord, CA 94520
After you contact us, we will take the following steps:
To prevent unauthorized transactions, we will:
If there are incoming payments from entities such as the Social Security Administration or other government agencies, the benefit will be reviewed for eligibility. Payments may be withheld until the responsible agency completes its eligibility verification process.
We will:
A Beneficiary Claims Specialist may contact you if additional information is needed to process your claim.
You will receive a claim case number to use when contacting us regarding this claim.
To ensure the privacy of the deceased member’s financial information, we cannot discuss account details until we have verified the claimant’s identity and their role in the estate settlement process.
We may use DocuSign®, the Credit Union’s electronic signature partner, to provide access to documents. For more information on DocuSign®, see the FAQs below.
What if I don’t have the original death certificate?
Contact the county where the decedent passed away. Most county websites provide information about Vital Records, including instructions for obtaining a death certificate.
What if I only have one original death certificate left?
We will need to review the original or a certified copy of the death certificate. After reviewing and retaining a copy for our records, we will return the original document to you via FedEx.
How long does it typically take to disburse funds?
The time required to disburse funds varies depending on the details of each unique situation. We begin processing the request as soon as we receive all necessary documents.
How will the funds be disbursed?
What if the decedent had an outstanding loan?
What is DocuSign®?
DocuSign® is a secure electronic signature system that allows the Credit Union to streamline document signing, eliminating the need for traditional paper-based methods. For more information, view DocuSign’s Terms and Conditions.
Glossary
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Beneficiary | A natural person or other legal entity who receives funds or other benefits from an account. Beneficiaries are generally designated on the Master Account Agreement and Disclosure (signature card) at the time the account is opened. |
| Death Certificate | A legal document issued by a medical practitioner or a government civil registration office that confirms a person’s death. It includes details such as the date, location, and cause of death as recorded in an official register of deaths. Death certificates are typically provided by the funeral home or obtained from a local government agency responsible for registering births, deaths, and marriages. |
| Estate | The collection of assets and liabilities left by a person upon their death. This term also refers to a specific type of account established through court action to hold and manage a deceased person’s assets, which is overseen by an Executor or other Fiduciary. Funds in an estate account are separate from those in individual Trust-held accounts. |
| Letter of Instruction | A document providing instructions on how funds should be disbursed. Common options include:
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| Letters of Administration | A legal document issued by a probate court that identifies the individual authorized to administer the estate of a deceased person. This document is commonly required when no will is present. |
| Letters of Testamentary | A legal document issued by a probate court to the Executor of an estate. It grants the Executor authority to manage financial and other affairs related to closing the estate, typically based on the instructions in a will. |
| Power of Attorney | A legal document granting authority to an individual (referred to as the Attorney-in-Fact) to act on behalf of the account owner (the Principal). Power of Attorney authority ends upon the death of the Principal. |
| Probate | The legal process for transferring or inheriting property after the property owner has passed away. |
| Small Estate Affidavit | A document that may be used to distribute funds from an account when you are not listed as a beneficiary and formal probate is not required. This affidavit is typically provided by your legal advisor but may also be available from legal document websites. |
| Trust | A trust is a legal arrangement in which property or funds are held by one party (the Trustee) for the benefit of another (the Beneficiary), as established by the Trustor (also called the Grantor). Trust accounts are managed by the Trustee and are separate from individual accounts and estate accounts. |
| Will | A legal declaration of a person’s wishes regarding the distribution of their property after death. |
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