No, the Public Trustee’s Office will not help you search for assets of the Deceased. You must find and provide details of all assets yourself before making a claim.

What you need to provide

Asset details required:

• List of all assets the Deceased owned

• Estimated value of each asset

• Supporting documents to prove the assets exist

Why you need this information: The Public Trustee’s Office needs the complete asset information to assess the total estate value.

How to search for assets yourself

Check common places for asset information

Personal documents:

• Bank statements and passbooks

• Property documents (title deeds, HDB documents)

• Insurance policies and investment statements

• CPF statements and nomination forms

• Tax returns and financial records

• Estate planning documents

Digital records:

• Email accounts for bank and investment notifications

• Mobile banking apps on the Deceased's phone

• Online investment platforms and trading accounts

Important things to know

You are responsible for the search: The Public Trustee’s Office expects you to conduct thorough searches before submitting your claim.

Incomplete information may delay your claim: Missing asset details can slow down the assessment process.

What happens after you find the assets:

Your next steps depend on two things:

• Estate value (less than or more than $50,000)

• Whether there is legal beneficiary (family members who can inherit)

To know more about Bona Vacantia you may visit the link: Ministry of Law | What is an equitable or moral claim on a bona vacantia estate?

For estates worth $50,000 or less

• If there ARE legal beneficiary: Apply for estate administration which you can refer to Ministry of Law | How PTO can help to administer a Deceased's estate (bank account, shares, motor vehicles, etc.)

• If there are NO legal beneficiary (Bona Vacantia): Follow detailed instruction at: Ministry of Law | How do I make an equitable or moral claim on a bona vacantia estate that is ≤ $50,000?

For estates worth more than $50,000

• If there ARE legal beneficiary: The Public Trustee's Office cannot help with large estates. You must approach a lawyer for assistance.

• If there are NO legal beneficiary (Bona Vacantia): Follow detailed instructions at Ministry of Law | How to make an equitable or moral claim on an estate that is > $50,000 without immovable property?