Did your grandparents’ money go to the bank? Big campaign of RBI, get your old money back like this

Have you ever wondered whether you or someone in your family might have an old bank account with money in it that you have forgotten about? This happens often, and to solve this problem, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has started a big and special campaign.

RBI is running a special campaign across the country from October to December 2025, with the aim of returning thousands of crores of rupees, which have been lying ‘unclaimed’ in banks for years, to their rightful owners.

What is ‘Unclaimed Deposit’?

When there is no transaction (no withdrawal, no deposit) in a bank account for 10 years, then that account is considered inactive. Thereafter, the amount deposited therein is transferred to the ‘Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA)’ Fund of RBI.

But the good news is that this money is not gone forever. You or your legal heirs can claim this money anytime.

How to know whether any of your money is stuck or not?

RBI has made this task very easy. You do not need to go to the bank, you can find out from the comfort of your home:

Visit UDGAM portal: RBI has created a special website for this, named UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposit – Gateway to Access Information).

Search by name: On this portal, you can find out if you or any of your family members have any unclaimed money in the bank by simply entering your name and some general information.

Bank Information: If there is any amount, the portal will tell you the bank name and account number.

What is the refund process?

Once you know which bank your money is in, here’s what you need to do:

Visit any bank branch: Visit any branch of that bank and fill the claim form.

Submit KYC Documents: Submit KYC documents like your identity card (Aadhar Card, Voter ID) and address proof.

For heirs: If the account holder has died, his legal heirs will have to submit legal documents such as identity card and death certificate of the account holder.

RBI has made the process easier

Video KYC: Now you don’t even need to go to the bank to update your KYC. You can also do this through video call.

Settlement in three months: RBI has directed banks to settle any claims within three months.

This campaign is a great effort to bring transparency in the banking system and get people back their forgotten money. Then what are you waiting for? Check your and your family member’s name on the UDGAM portal today, there might be an old treasure waiting for you!