Overview
Alliant Credit Union is one of the largest digital credit unions in the United States, serving over 800,000 members nationwide with no physical branches. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Alliant's Member Care Center to initiate the settlement process.
This guide covers Alliant's "Special Services" department, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Since Alliant operates as a fully digital institution, the process relies heavily on phone communication and secure document uploads.
Alliant provides a dedicated "Member's Guide to Account Settlement" and handles most estate matters through their Special Services team in Chicago.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with Alliant Credit Union and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Alliant Credit Union of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Alliant, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (if known)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate (or a clear photocopy if permitted for initial review)
Step 2: Call the Member Care Center
Contact Alliant's Member Care Center (MCC) to start the process. There is no direct online notification form; you must call to initiate the case.
- Phone: (800) 328-1935 (US) or (773) 462-2000 (International)
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM CT; Sat, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CT (General Member Care hours)
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes online access and automatic transfers
- Collect your contact information
- Forward your case to the Special Services department
Step 3: Receive Instructions & Submit Documents
After your initial call, Alliant Special Services will review the account and send you a secure email with specific instructions. This email will include:
- A list of required documents based on the account type
- A link to securely upload documents (recommended for faster processing)
- A "Beneficiary Funds Dispersal Form" (if applicable)
If you prefer to mail documents, send them to:
Regular Mail:
Alliant Credit Union
Attn: Special Services
P.O. Box 66945
Chicago, IL 60666-0945
Overnight/Courier:
Alliant Credit Union
Attn: Special Services
11545 W Touhy Ave
Chicago, IL 60666
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Alliant receives your documents, expect:
- Document processing: Typically within 48 hours of receipt
- Settlement completion: Varies by account type, but Alliant requires accounts to be settled within 180 days of notification
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once approved:
- Joint owners must open a new Alliant account to have funds transferred.
- Beneficiaries will receive funds via check or transfer after submitting the Dispersal Form.
- Estate funds will be issued to the estate representative.
Required Documents
Documents Alliant Credit Union Requires
The exact documents depend on account type, account value, and whether the estate is going through probate. Alliant Special Services will confirm your specific requirements via email.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Alliant may accept a photocopy for initial review via their secure upload link |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account (Driver's license, Passport, State ID) |
| Beneficiary Funds Dispersal Form | Provided by Alliant Special Services after notification |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court naming the Executor |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | For the estate, if opening an estate account |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court naming the Administrator |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small Estate Affidavit | Accepted for estates below state-specific value limits (e.g., $100,000 in Illinois) |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed alongside ID |
| Beneficiary Funds Dispersal Form | Completed by each named beneficiary |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Agreement or Certificate of Trust | Must name the trustee and successor trustee |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Alliant Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
The surviving joint owner typically retains ownership of the funds. However, Alliant requires the joint owner to open a new membership account in their own name. The funds are then transferred from the deceased member's account to the new account.
Timeline: {2–5 business days}
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds by submitting the Beneficiary Funds Dispersal Form, ID, and death certificate. No probate is required.
Timeline: {5–10 business days}
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee must provide a Certificate of Trust or Trust Agreement proving their authority to act. Alliant verifies the successor trustee and grants access to the funds.
Timeline: {5–15 business days}
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation require court-appointed representation. You must provide Letters Testamentary (with a will) or Letters of Administration (without a will).
Timeline: {3–12+ months depending on probate}
Retirement Accounts (IRA)
Named beneficiaries must complete specific IRA claim forms. Spouses may have the option to treat the IRA as their own, while non-spouse beneficiaries will have different distribution options under the SECURE Act.
Timeline: {10–20 business days}
Mortgages
Alliant mortgages are serviced by Dovenmuehle (DMI). You must contact them directly to handle the mortgage.
- Phone: (866) 341-1017
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
Timeline: {Varies}
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Alliant Process
Alliant Credit Union is based in Illinois, but probate is governed by the state law where the decedent resided. Your state determines:
- Small Estate Thresholds: If the estate value is below a certain limit (e.g., $100,000 in Illinois, $184,500 in California), you may be able to use a Small Estate Affidavit instead of formal probate.
- Probate Court: You must obtain Letters Testamentary or Administration from the county court where the deceased lived, not where Alliant is located.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois (Alliant HQ) | $100,000 | No | Alliant is familiar with IL Small Estate Affidavits |
| California | $184,500 | Yes | High threshold simplifies many estates |
| Florida | $75,000 | No | "Summary Administration" available for small estates |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Small Estate Affidavit available for solvent estates |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Alliant Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | {2–5 business days} | Requires opening new account |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | {5–10 business days} | Submission of Dispersal Form |
| Trust account | {5–15 business days} | Review of Trust Agreement |
| Small estate affidavit | {2–4 weeks} | Document review time |
| Probate (simple estate) | {3–6 months} | Depends on court processing time |
| Probate (complex estate) | {6–18+ months} | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
Note: Alliant explicitly states that accounts must be settled within 180 days of the death notification.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Use Online Banking
For the member's protection, online account access is locked immediately upon notification. Do not try to log in with the deceased's credentials, as this can be flagged as fraud.
The 180-Day Rule
Alliant requires that deceased accounts be settled and closed within 180 days of notification. Ensure you submit documents promptly to avoid complications.
Joint Owners Must Open New Accounts
Unlike some banks that simply remove the deceased's name, Alliant often requires the surviving joint owner to open a completely new membership and transfer the funds.
Federal Benefit Reclamations
Social Security and VA benefits deposited after the date of death will be returned to the government. Do not spend these funds, as they will be automatically withdrawn.
Mortgage Servicing is Separate
If the deceased had a mortgage, do not assume the Member Care Center handles it. You must contact Dovenmuehle (DMI) separately at (866) 341-1017.
Keep the Case Number
When you first call the Member Care Center, ask for a case number or reference ID to track your interaction with the Special Services department.