How to Claim Unclaimed Money on Behalf of a Deceased Family Member (Malaysia Guide)

Last updated: August 2026

Key Takeaways

• To claim a deceased relative’s unclaimed money in Malaysia, first search the eGUMIS portal using their IC number. 
• If there’s a match, you’ll need a Death Certificate, proof of relationship, and legal authority over the estate — either a Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration, or a Distribution Order for larger amounts, or a simpler Form UMA-8 Indemnity Bond if the sum is RM2,000 or less. 
• Submit everything through eGUMIS; payout typically takes one to three months.

Losing a family member comes with enough to handle — and sorting out their financial affairs is often the last thing anyone wants to think about. But tucked away in old bank records, there may be forgotten savings, uncollected salary, or unpaid dividends still sitting under their name. Under the Unclaimed Moneys Act 1965, these funds are classified as Wang Tak Dituntut and held by the Accountant General’s Department of Malaysia (JANM) until someone comes forward to claim them.

The catch: because this money belongs to the deceased’s estate, you can’t simply walk in and collect it. You need to prove two things: namely, that the money exists and that you have the legal right to claim it on the family’s behalf. Here’s how that works.

Step 1: Find Out If There’s Anything to Claim

Start with a free search on the official eGUMIS portal, using your relative’s IC or MyKad number. If there’s a match, note down the institution involved (bank, employer, insurer) and the reference number as you’ll need it later.

Use this step-by-step guide to find out if you have unclaimed money in Malaysia.

Step 2: Gather the Basic Documents

Before you get into estate paperwork, put together:

• Death Certificate — issued by the National Registration Department (JPN)
• Your MyKad — front and back
• Proof of relationship — your birth certificate (claiming for a parent) or marriage certificate (claiming for a spouse)
• Your bank statement — showing your name, bank logo, and account number, for the payout transfer
• Any original asset proof you have — an old passbook, fixed deposit certificate, or insurance letter

Step 3: Establish Your Legal Authority Over the Estate

This is where most people get stuck. Being the eldest child or the surviving spouse doesn’t automatically give you the right to collect the funds, as JANM needs a formal legal document naming you as the person authorised to act for the estate.

Depending on the total amount and whether your relative left a valid will, you must establish authority through one of two main paths:

Path A — Standard Estates 

Provide a certified copy of one of:

• Grant of Probate, if the deceased left a valid will naming you as executor
• Letters of Administration, issued by the High Court when there is no will
• Distribution Order (Perintah Pembahagian), issued by the Land Office or Amanah Raya Berhad for smaller estates

One thing worth flagging early: the unclaimed money account must be explicitly listed in the estate’s schedule of assets. If it isn’t, you’ll need to request an additional order (Perintah Tambahan) before JANM can process anything — so it’s worth checking this before you submit.

Path B — Small Amounts (RM2,000 or less)

If the family hasn’t gone through probate or obtained Letters of Administration, JANM offers a simpler route:

• Form UMA-8 (Indemnity Bond) — a statutory declaration signed before a Commissioner for Oaths or Magistrate and stamped at LHDN
• Letter of Consent — signed by the other direct heirs agreeing that you’ll receive the payout on the family’s behalf

Step 4: Submit and Get Paid

1. Log in to eGUMIS, select the matching entry, and upload digital copies of your documents.
2. If your claim requires original stamped documents (like the UMA-8) or certified court orders, mail or deliver them to your nearest JANM office.
3. Once JANM verifies everything, the payout is credited directly to your bank account — typically within one to three months, depending on how complete your documents are.

It’s a process with a few moving parts, but none of it costs anything to do yourself — and no legitimate route requires paying a “recovery agent” a cut of the payout. With the right documents in hand, a loved one’s forgotten money can return to the family it belongs to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to claim unclaimed money for a deceased relative? 

Not necessarily. If the estate already has a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, you can submit the claim yourself through eGUMIS. For small amounts under RM2,000, Form UMA-8 avoids the need for court documents altogether. A lawyer becomes useful if the estate doesn’t yet have any of these documents and you need to apply for one.

What if the unclaimed money isn’t listed in the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration? 

You’ll need to apply for an additional order (Perintah Tambahan) from the issuing body to have the account added to the estate’s schedule of assets before JANM will release the funds.

Can more than one heir claim on behalf of the estate? 

Typically, only the executor (named in a will) or the court-appointed administrator can submit the claim. Other heirs are involved through the Letter of Consent under the small-estate route (Path B), confirming they agree to the payout arrangement.

How long does it take to receive the payout? 

JANM generally processes claims within one to three months of receiving complete, verified documents. Incomplete submissions or missing certified copies are the most common cause of delay.

Is there a fee to search or claim unclaimed money in Malaysia? 

No. Searching eGUMIS and submitting a claim is free. Be cautious of third parties offering to “recover” the money for a percentage cut — this isn’t necessary.

Not sure which document path applies to your situation, or need help getting your estate paperwork in order? Speak to our advisory team to see how we can help you sort out what’s needed before you submit.