Encourage banks to actively reach out to customers/depositors to
reactivate inoperative accounts and return unclaimed amounts lying with the
Depositors Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund to rightful claimants—reducing both the
existing stock of unclaimed deposits and fresh accretion to the DEA Fund.
Scope & Coverage
- Applies to all banks registered under the DEA Fund Scheme.
- Covers all inoperative accounts at banks and unclaimed deposits transferred to the DEA Fund that remain unsettled.
Duration
One year: From October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026.
Eligibility for Payout
Payouts apply where inoperative accounts are reactivated and/or unclaimed deposits are settled
by banks to rightful claimants during the Scheme period.
Payout Structure (to Banks)
| Ageing Category# | Payout to Bank |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 years* (Inoperative A/c) | 5% of amount or ₹5,000, whichever is less |
| 4–8 years* (Inoperative A/c) | 6% of amount or ₹10,000, whichever is less |
| 8–10 years* (Inoperative A/c) | 7% of amount or ₹15,000, whichever is less |
| 10 years & above^ (Unclaimed Deposit) | 7.5% of amount or ₹25,000, whichever is less |
#Period reckoned from the date the account became inoperative. *Inoperative Accounts. ^Unclaimed Deposits.
Submission of Claims by Banks
- Frequency: Quarterly, within one month from quarter-end.
- Format: Prescribed format, signed by a Senior Executive authorized by Top Management.
- Mode: Email to dea.fund@rbi.org.in and hard copy by post.
- Review: Subject to internal audit/inspection per bank’s guidelines.
- Settlement: RBI will settle claims within 30 days of submission.
What Benefits Do Banks Get?
- Direct Incentive Income: Cash payout per successful reactivation/settlement as per the slab (up to 7.5% / ₹25,000 cap).
- Revived Customer Relationships: Reactivated accounts can restore CASA balances, improve engagement, and enable cross-sell (FDs, cards, loans).
- Lower Future Unclaimed Build-up: Reduced fresh transfers to DEA Fund, easing reconciliation and compliance workload.
- Better Service & Compliance Scores: Timely return to claimants enhances customer trust, audit outcomes, and reputational standing.
- Operational Clean-up: Clearing dormant/inoperative ledgers improves data quality and reduces dormancy-related risks.
This summary is for informational purposes. Banks should refer to the official RBI communication and prescribed claim formats for compliance.
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