Claiming a U.S. savings bond after the death of a co-owner or beneficiary primarily involves specific forms and procedures, especially for a surviving registrant. The process centers on reissuing or redeeming the bond in the name of the rightful successor.
Key Steps for Surviving Registrants
When you are the surviving registrant of a United States savings bond, the primary method to claim or manage the bond after the death of the other registered owner is to request its reissue. This process ensures the bond is properly transferred to your name or redeemed according to the bond's terms and your wishes.
Required Forms for Reissue or Redemption
To initiate the process of claiming a bond as a surviving registrant, you will need to complete specific forms provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
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FS Form 4000: Request To Reissue United States Savings Bonds
This is the fundamental form required for most savings bond reissuance requests. It allows the surviving registrant to formally request that the bond be reissued in their sole name or to request redemption. This form collects necessary information about the bond, the deceased owner, and the surviving registrant to facilitate the transfer of ownership or payment. -
FS Form 5396: Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form
If the bonds in question are Series HH bonds, which pay interest periodically, the surviving registrant must also complete this form. FS Form 5396 is specifically for setting up direct deposit of the interest payments, ensuring you receive the interest directly into your bank account.
Where to Obtain and Submit Forms
You can typically find these official forms on the TreasuryDirect website, which is the U.S. Department of the Treasury's bureau for buying and managing Treasury securities.
- Online Access: Visit the official TreasuryDirect Forms page to download the necessary forms.
- Completion: Carefully fill out each required section of FS Form 4000, and FS Form 5396 if applicable, providing accurate information regarding the bonds, the deceased owner, and your identity as the surviving registrant.
- Submission: The completed forms, along with any required supporting documentation (such as a certified copy of the death certificate or proof of identity), must be mailed to the address specified in the form instructions.
Understanding Bond Types and Your Role
The specific steps and forms needed can sometimes vary slightly depending on the type of savings bond (e.g., Series EE, I, HH) and how it was registered (e.g., co-owner, beneficiary, single owner). As a "surviving registrant," you are either a surviving co-owner or a designated beneficiary.
The following table summarizes the forms based on bond type for a surviving registrant:
| Bond Type | Primary Action Form | Additional Form (If Applicable) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| All U.S. Savings Bonds (for reissue/redemption) | FS Form 4000 | N/A | To request reissuance into the surviving registrant's name or redemption. |
| Series HH Bonds (for interest payments) | FS Form 4000 (for reissue) | FS Form 5396 (for direct deposit of interest) | To reissue the bond and ensure continued direct deposit of interest payments. |
Important Considerations
- Documentation: Always be prepared to provide certified copies of the death certificate and valid identification for the surviving registrant. The forms will outline the specific documentation required.
- Accuracy: Ensure all information on the forms is accurate and matches official records to avoid delays in processing.
- Patience: Processing times can vary, so it's advisable to submit all documentation promptly and accurately.
By following these steps and completing the appropriate forms as a surviving registrant, you can successfully claim or manage U.S. savings bonds after the death of the other owner.
