Overview
Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) is one of the largest credit unions in the United States, serving over 800,000 members across Texas, Colorado, and Utah. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify SSFCU's Survivor Assistance team to secure the accounts and initiate the transfer process.
This guide covers Security Service FCU's estate services department, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Since SSFCU operates primarily in Texas, Colorado, and Utah, state-specific probate requirements in these jurisdictions may affect your process.
SSFCU has a dedicated Survivor Assistance team within their Account Services department to help guide you through the settlement process. You can also reach them via email at SurvivorAssistance@ssfcu.org.
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 Security Service Federal Credit Union and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Security Service FCU of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Security Service FCU, 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 (if available)
Step 2: Call the Survivor Assistance Team
Contact Security Service FCU's Survivor Assistance team:
- Phone: (800) 832-4602
- Email: SurvivorAssistance@ssfcu.org
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM CT
When you call, ask for the Survivor Assistance or Account Services department. The representative will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes automatic payments and online access
- Provide you with a Deceased Account Checklist and necessary forms
- Assign a case number or reference for your file
Note: A specialist typically reaches out within 2–3 business days after the initial notification to guide you through the next steps.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You can submit documents via mail or fax. The Survivor Assistance team will provide specific instructions, but generally, you will need to send the Deceased Account Settlement forms and a certified death certificate.
Mail to:
Security Service Federal Credit Union
Attn: Account Services Survivor Assistance
P.O. Box 691510
San Antonio, TX 78269-1510
Fax: (210) 476-4047
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After SSFCU receives your documents, expect:
- Initial review: 2–5 business days
- Document processing: 2–4 weeks (varies by estate complexity)
- Follow-up: You may receive an "Informant Letter" or request for additional information if the file is incomplete.
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Beneficiaries: Funds are typically issued via check or transferred to an existing SSFCU account.
- Estate Accounts: Funds are issued to the estate via check or transferred to a newly opened estate account.
Required Documents
Documents Security Service FCU Requires
The exact documents depend on account type, account value, and whether the estate is going through probate.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Original certified copy usually required |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| Deceased Account Settlement Forms | Provided by SSFCU Survivor Assistance |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified |
| 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 |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small Estate Affidavit | State-specific form (TX, CO, or UT) used to claim assets without full probate |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed alongside ID |
| Beneficiary Claim Form | Provided by SSFCU |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification or Abstract | Verifying the successor trustee |
| Successor Trustee ID | Government-issued photo ID |
Account Types
How Security Service FCU Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
The surviving joint owner typically needs only a certified death certificate to have the decedent's name removed. The account often remains open with the survivor as the sole owner, or funds are transferred to a new account.
Timeline: 2–5 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds with a death certificate, ID, and SSFCU claim forms. No probate is required.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee provides a trust certification, death certificate, and ID. The trustee can then manage or close the account according to the trust's terms.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation require Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from probate court.
Timeline: 3–6+ months (depending on probate court speed)
Retirement Accounts (IRA)
Named beneficiaries must complete an IRA Beneficiary Claim form and provide a death certificate. Spouses have different rollover options than non-spouse beneficiaries.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
Outstanding balances on credit cards or personal loans are generally the responsibility of the estate. SSFCU will freeze credit lines upon notification.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Security Service FCU Process
Security Service FCU primarily operates in Texas, Colorado, and Utah. Probate laws in these states significantly impact the process.
- Texas: Offers a "Small Estate Affidavit" for estates under $75,000 (excluding homestead). Texas is a community property state.
- Colorado: Has a simplified probate process for small estates (under roughly $80,000, adjusted for inflation).
- Utah: Small estate affidavit available for estates under $100,000.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Homestead exempt from threshold |
| Colorado | ~$80,000 | No | Inflation-adjusted threshold |
| Utah | $100,000 | No | Affidavit requires 30-day wait |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Security Service FCU Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 2–5 business days | Quickest process; survivor retains access |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Depends on beneficiary returning forms |
| Trust account | 10–20 business days | Review of trust documents required |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | SSFCU legal review of affidavit |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Court issuance of Letters takes time |
| Retirement accounts | 10–20 business days | specialized paperwork for IRAs |
Note: Timelines begin once SSFCU receives all correct and completed documentation.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying SSFCU
Withdrawing funds from an individual account after death can be considered theft from the estate. Always notify the bank first.
Federal Benefit Payments Will Be Reclaimed
Social Security and VA benefits deposited after the date of death will be reclaimed by the government. Do not spend these funds.
Membership Eligibility for Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries who are not currently members of Security Service FCU may be eligible to join and keep the funds within the credit union. Ask the Survivor Assistance team about membership eligibility.
Keep the Case Number Handy
When you first call, you will likely be assigned a case number or reference. Keep this available for all future calls to speed up service.
Automatic Payments
Once the deceased flag is placed:
- Automatic payments will be declined
- Direct deposits will be returned
- Online banking access is terminated immediately
Make sure to make alternative arrangements for urgent bills like utilities or mortgages.