Important Notices

Government Shutdown Assistance: Don’t navigate a government shutdown alone—discover how we can support you. Learn More.

Holiday Closure: Monday, October 13 - All branch locations and contact center will be closed.

The Paperwork Nobody Wants.

If you’ve lost a loved one who banked with AACU, we’ll help you sort their accounts — what’s needed, what happens next, and who to talk to.

Bereavement

We’re sorry for your loss. This isn’t an easy thing to deal with — and the paperwork doesn’t make it better. But we’re here to help.

Whether you’re local or out of state, our Administration Support Team will walk you through what to do, what documents we’ll need, and how we handle everything from there. No confusing jargon. No legal maze. Just clear steps and people who answer the phone.

How to Get Started

When you’re ready, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. You don’t have to know all the answers — just bring what you have, and we’ll help with the rest.

Call us or stop by — whatever works best for you.
Bring in the needed documents (we’ll help you figure out what those are).
We’ll review everything to confirm account ownership.
If everything checks out, we’ll handle the next steps — either closing the account or disbursing funds according to the law and our policy.

Resource Center

Documents You'll Need

Certified Copy of Member’s Death Certificate

Once the Death Certificate is received, further review of accounts may require additional documentation such as:

- Completed W9 Form
- Photocopy of ID
- Letters Testamentary/Administration OR Small Estate Affidavit

Once ALL required documents have been presented, a specialist will determine the distribution of funds to assist with settlement of accounts. You can email your documents for review using the link below.

Email Documents Now

Call or Visit Us

Phone: 719.593.8600
Fax: 719.535.8793

Find A Branch

Mailing Address:

Air Academy Credit Union
ATTN: Admin Support Department
P.O. Box 62910
Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2910

Hours Of Operations

Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

What Happens Next

Here's how we'll guide you through the next steps.

One of our team members will reach out if we need anything else from you.
We’ll take a look at the accounts based on membership and what kind of accounts they are.
If any money is to be paid out, we’ll give you clear next steps — including what’s needed and when to expect it.
Depending on how complex the estate is, we might recommend talking with a legal representative (especially for probate questions).

A Quick Breakdown of the Legal Stuff

POA (Power of Attorney): Ends when someone passes away.
Executor/Executrix: The person named in a will to handle the estate.
Beneficiary: The person (or people) who will receive any remaining money in the account.
Letters Testamentary: A court document that officially names the executor.
Small Estate Affidavit: A simplified legal form that can be used for smaller estates in Colorado (details below).

Colorado Small Estate Affidavit — At a Glance

A Colorado Small Estate Affidavit may allow heirs to collect and transfer a deceased person’s personal property without going through the full probate process.

For more information and step-by-step instructions, visit the Colorado Judicial Branch resources below:

Guide to Collecting Decedent’s Personal Property

Download the Colorado Small Estate Affidavit (Form JDF999, PDF)

Fequently Asked Questions

We know this process can bring up a lot of questions — and not always at once. So we’ve pulled together a few of the ones we hear most often. If your situation’s a little different (or you’re just not sure what to ask), reach out. We’re here to help, no judgment.

What if the member had a joint account?

Joint owners may retain access, but the account will still be reviewed, and changes may be required to update ownership records.
What happens to loans the member had with AACU?

Loans will be reviewed by our Recovery team. If applicable, loan protection (like credit life insurance) may apply. Any remaining balances are the responsibility of the estate.
Can I access the deceased member’s account information online?

No. Once we are notified of the death, account access will be restricted until proper documentation is reviewed and approved.
What if I live out of state?

You do not need to visit a branch in person. Documents can be mailed, securely uploaded, or faxed. Our team will work with you remotely.
Who receives the remaining funds in the deceased member’s account?

That depends on the account setup. If a beneficiary or joint owner is listed, funds may go directly to them. If not, funds are released according to the estate documentation and Colorado laws.
How long does the process take?

Timelines vary based on the documentation provided and the complexity of the estate. Simple cases may take a few business days after complete documents are submitted, while more complex estates involving probate may take longer.
How do I notify AACU of a member’s death?

You can notify us by visiting a branch, calling our Administration Support Team, or submitting a secure message through Online Banking. We will guide you through the next steps and required documents.
Can I use a Power of Attorney after someone has passed away?

No. A Power of Attorney ends upon death. After death, only a court-appointed executor or an authorized person with a valid Small Estate Affidavit can act on the deceased's behalf.