Even after years of inactivity, money left in old bank accounts can still be retrieved, and many of us are unaware of this facility. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), accounts that have been dormant for 10 years or more often have their funds transferred to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund. However, the good news is that depositors, or their family members, can still claim these funds along with any interest that may have accrued.

Documents required:

  • Aadhaar
  • Passport
  • Voter ID
  • Driving License

Steps to follow 

  • Check for unclaimed deposits online

The initial step is to determine if your funds are listed as unclaimed using the RBI's official online tool. Access the Portal: Start by checking for unclaimed deposits online through the RBI’s official UDGAM portal: https://udgam.rbi.org.in.

  • Identify and Locate Your Account

After using the online tool, you must identify the specific account that holds the dormant funds.

  • Prepare necessary documentation (KYC)

Once the dormant account is identified, gather the required verification documents.

  • Submit claim and documents at the bank

The claim process requires a physical submission of documents at the bank branch. After identifying the account details, the depositor needs to visit any branch of their respective bank.

Submit the required KYC documents at the bank branch.

  • Funds release

After the bank verifies your documentation, the funds will be released back to the account holder.

  • Assistance Available

The RBI emphasises vigilance and awareness, urging the public to check for dormant accounts and claim their money promptly.

• Special Camps: Banks will be conducting special camps between October and December 2025.

• Purpose: These camps aim to simplify the process, provide assistance with documentation, and ensure depositors are aware of the steps needed to access their funds.