Why Deactivating an Aadhaar Card After a Family Member’s Death Is Necessary

Kokila Chokkanathan
Aadhaar, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of india (UIDAI), is a unique identity number linked to personal, financial, and government records. After the death of a family member, it is essential to deactivate their Aadhaar to prevent misuse, ensure legal compliance, and protect the family.

1. Prevent Financial Fraud

Aadhaar is linked to bank accounts, wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital wallets, and financial transactions. If a deceased person’s Aadhaar remains active:

  • Fraudsters could use it to open bank accounts, transfer money, or apply for loans.
  • Unauthorized access may lead to loss of funds or legal complications for family members.
Tip: Deactivating Aadhaar ensures no one can misuse the deceased’s financial identity.

2. Stop Misuse of government Benefits

Many government schemes, such as pensions, subsidies, LPG benefits, and welfare programs, are linked to Aadhaar:

  • If Aadhaar is not deactivated, benefits could continue to be credited to the deceased, causing legal and administrative issues.
  • Preventing misuse ensures government funds reach only eligible recipients.
3. Maintain Accurate government Records

Aadhaar forms a key part of national identity and demographic databases:

  • An active Aadhaar for a deceased person leads to inaccurate population statistics.
  • Correct records help in policy planning, census accuracy, and social program allocation.
4. Protect Against Identity Theft

Aadhaar contains biometric and demographic information. If not deactivated:

  • Fraudsters may use it to obtain SIM cards, open bank accounts, or apply for government IDs.
  • Deactivation ensures personal data of the deceased cannot be exploited.
5. Facilitate Legal and Administrative Processes

Deactivating Aadhaar helps in:

  • Closing bank accounts of the deceased.
  • Transferring property or settling inheritance smoothly.
  • Claiming pensions or insurance benefits by family members without complications.
Tip: Many institutions require proof of Aadhaar deactivation to process death-related claims.

How to Deactivate Aadhaar After Death

Contact UIDAI:

Email: help@uidai.gov.in

Toll-Free: 1947

Submit Required Documents:

Death certificate of the deceased.

Aadhaar number or relevant identification.

UIDAI Action:

The Aadhaar is marked as deceased, making it inactive for all future transactions and verifications.

Once deactivated, the Aadhaar cannot be used for any financial or official purposes, safeguarding the deceased’s identity and family interests.

Conclusion

Deactivating the Aadhaar card after a family member’s death is crucial to:

  • Prevent financial and identity fraud.
  • Stop misuse of government benefits.
  • Maintain accurate national records.
  • Facilitate legal and administrative processes.
It is a simple but vital step to protect the family and ensure proper closure of the deceased person’s legal and financial identity.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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