Loss and Grief Counselling Support | Grief Centre
Grief Counselling services, nationwide presence, free group online services.
There for you, every step of the way
When a family member or friend passes away, it can be overwhelming and confusing - there are countless things to be done and tough decisions to make - we can help you at this difficult time.
We can help you with understanding what's required for banking arrangements - from stopping account activity, to handling the release of money from the estate and supporting you every step of the way.
Each situation may be different, and we will tailor our support to your individual needs. Depending on what documents you already have, it may take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months to finalise the estate. We may also need information and instructions from other parties.
Here's what you need to do to finalise your loved one's estate, explained in more detail below:
- Let us know
- Understand impacts to accounts
- Make a claim for funeral expenses
- Confirm your relationship to the estate
- Release funds and close accounts
Let us know
Contact us as soon as you can. Either by:
- Speaking to one of our team at your local branch (and bring original or certified copies of any relevant documents you already have on-hand e.g. Death Certificate, Will)
- Call our Estates Support Services team on 0800 111 191 Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm or +64 9 448 8359 if you're calling from overseas
- Email us at asbestates@asb.co.nz and a member of our team will be in touch.
Notify the Government of the passing of your loved one and a Death certificate will be issued. Provide us with a copy of this.
Choose whichever way you're most comfortable with. Rest assured we'll handle your situation with care and sensitivity, whether in person or over the phone.
After notifying us, you'll receive a confirmation email within two business days.
What details to provide us
When you tell us about someone passing away, we need a few details.
- The deceased's full name and home address
- The date they passed away
- Something to help us identify their ASB account details, like an account number, their EFTPOS card or ASB Visa card
- A Will, if they have one
- Contact details of the person who will be looking after the estate, such as the next of kin, administrator, executor or solicitor. Please ask the solicitor to provide us with a letter of representation, stating that they act for the estate.
Don't worry if you don't know everything on this list. We can work with you to obtain the information.
We'll also need to record your details and your relationship to the deceased. We may need proof of identity such as a passport or driver's licence.
The Death Certificate
While we don't need the Death Certificate immediately, please provide it to us as soon as you can. Either show us the original or provide us a certified copy. Certification can be completed by your local Justice of the Peace (JP) or solicitor.
Sorting out other accounts
We'll act to keep your loved one's accounts safe and prevent unauthorised access. It's also important to consider any financial or other impacts this may cause you or others. We can help you identify and support you to manage these impacts.
For example:
Bank accounts
- We'll cancel all debit cards linked to the account and close the account once we receive all the completed closing documents together with closing instructions.
Joint accounts
- A joint account is held equally by two or more people, if one passes away, the other holder(s) automatically takes full ownership. They'll be able to access funds, make withdrawals and payments.
- If the joint account has an overdraft, the owing balance needs to be cleared in full so we can remove the overdraft limit and your loved one from the account.
- If you need help accessing a joint account, get in touch on 0800 803 804 or visit your local ASB branch.
Credit cards
- We'll cancel any individual cards where your loved one was the primary cardholder. If you're an additional cardholder, you'll need to apply and be assessed for a new card in your own name.
- For joint credit cards, where your loved one was one of the card holders, the monthly statements will now show their name as 'Estate of..'.
- We will close True Rewards accounts if there are no other rewards cardholders.
- If the card was connected to an Everyday Rewards account, this will automatically be unlinked (with the Everyday Rewards account closing after 18 months of dormancy).
Home and personal loans
- Joint home and personal loans continue as normal, the remaining person is now responsible for the full repayments.
- Loans where your loved one was the sole customer will have repayments continue as normal - if your loved one was the sole borrower, loan repayments will be deducted as normal.
- Our free ASB Home Loan Compassionate Care benefit may help cover some of the interest costs if eligible.
Term deposits
- Joint term deposits continue as normal. If your loved one was the only name on the deposit, money will go to the estate. We'll waive the fees and charges for the early withdrawal as well as pay for the interest earned up until account closure.
Business accounts
- We'll need to be informed if you need us to keep making crucial business payments (like wages or bills).
- We'll cancel any debit and credit cards linked to your loved one's business accounts if they were a sole trader.
- Joint business accounts need to close, with the remaining owner opening a new account.
Online access
- Fastnet Classic internet banking access and access to the ASB Mobile Banking app, will be canceled for the deceased.
Making a claim for funeral expenses
We can release funds to pay or reimburse immediate funeral expenses when a request is received from the person who paid for the funeral or to whom the invoice is addressed. The person requesting must be identified, and provide either:
- A certified copy of the invoice (if you have yet to pay for the funeral); or
- A certified copy of the tax receipt and proof of payment (if already paid); and
- A signed and completed Indemnity form for release of funds to pay funeral expenses
Payment or reimbursement requests should be sent to ASBEstates@asb.co.nz.
Alternatively, the Authorised Estate Representative(s) can request payment or reimbursement of funeral expenses relating to the Estate.
Confirm relationship to the estate
Account information can only be shared with an Authorised Estate Representative who has met our Identification Requirements.
Our Support Guide provides the lists of documents required to confirm that you and /or others are the Authorised Estate Representative(s).
Alternatively, we can provide account information to a solicitor if they provide a letter of representation confirming that they act for the estate.
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Power of Attorney
The Power of Attorney gives a trusted person the right to operate someone's accounts on their behalf should they be unable to make decisions for themselves. This only applies while the person is alive. Once they pass away, the Power of Attorney no longer applies.
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Life & Health Insurance
If your loved one has life insurance, you can contact the provider to make a claim or close the policies:
AIA 0800 500 108
For all other policies contact ASB Insurance Services on 0800 501 223 or email insurance.services@asb.co.nz
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General Insurance
If your loved one had General Insurance policies such as home or car insurance, cover under general insurance will continue as normal.
Premiums if paid out of the Deceased's account will be stopped, you may need to change and update your payment details to ensure premiums stay up to date.
To cancel general house, home, contents and car insurance or change the policy owner details, please call our insurance partner:
IAG 0800 200 252
Releasing funds
If the estate is over $15,000, we can't release any funds until the High Court grants probate over the Will. Probate involves registering the deceased's Will with the High Court, so they can confirm that it's valid. When this happens, the executor of the Will is legally empowered to execute the wishes of the deceased. That includes distributing funds and other assets. If there is no Will, the courts will appoint an administrator to determine the fair distribution of assets.
If the estate is under $15,000, we require a Deceased Estates Claim and Closure form to be completed. Your local branch can help you through this.
When closing the estate, we're required under the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 to verify your identity or the identity of the people administering the estate. We'll help you work through this process.
Funeral Expenses
We can often release funds from the deceased's accounts to help pay for funeral costs. It can be a lot of help at an already stressful time. Please talk to us about this option so we can guide you through what's required.
Our Support Guide provides further information on who can request payment of funeral expenses and what documents are required.
Help if you need it
Public Trust
- Help for executors (fees may apply)
- Arranging probate
- Arranging a Letter of Administration
- Taking care of the whole process
Work and Income
- May be able to provide a Funeral Grant
- May be able to provide a short-term loan (Recoverable Assistance Payment) to cover the costs to travel to a funeral
Inland Revenue – Te Tari Taake
If you’re an executor of an estate, you may need to lodge a final tax return on behalf of the deceased person. MyTrove – a central place to notify key utility organisations.
Money Talks
Free independent budgeting advice.
Te Hokinga ā Wairua End of Life Service
- Here you can find information to help guide you and your whanau through this time
- Creating individual or shared plans
- Support services near you
Forms to complete
Depending on your circumstances, we may ask you to complete the below forms. We'll let you know which forms you need to complete.
Useful Guides
The information and tools suggested are intended to provide general information only. It is not financial advice and does not take into consideration your personal needs and financial circumstances. You should consider seeking financial advice before making any decision based on this information.