How to Claim Unclaimed Mutual Funds in India: SEBI, MF Central, and MITRA Guide

Why and How Mutual Funds Go Unclaimed

According to the Ministry of Finance’s 2025 official report, unclaimed mutual fund balances are a growing reality:

• If redemption, maturity, or dividend payouts aren’t received (often due to KYC issues, old or closed bank accounts, or changed addresses), the amounts are credited to a special unclaimed scheme.
• If an investor doesn’t transact in a mutual fund folio for 10 years (but still has units), that folio is deemed “inactive.”

These amounts legally belong to you, or your nominee/legal heir, and can always be reclaimed.

Source: Your Money, Your Right – Ministry of Finance, Sep 2025

Step-by-Step: Find and Trace Unclaimed Mutual Fund Amounts

A. How to Search for Unclaimed Mutual Funds:

• Check directly via your Asset Management Company (AMC) or Registrar & Transfer Agent (RTA) website.
• All investors receive reminders in their Consolidated Account Statements (CAS) with details of unpaid/unclaimed units.
• The fastest, most convenient way: Use MF Central’s MITRA Platform:
  • Log in, click on MITRA, and enter your PAN, name, or folio details.
  • MITRA searches all AMCs and RTAs for dormant or forgotten mutual funds held in your name or that of a relative.
  • If a record matches, MITRA will tell you which AMC holds the funds, and direct you to the claim process.

B. How to Claim Your Unclaimed Mutual Funds

• Get the Official Claim Form: Download from the AMC or RTA site or request at their physical office.
• Prepare and Submit Your Documents: Fill in the claim form, attach relevant KYC documents, and submit (either physically or as directed—many AMCs accept forms by email/post).
• Verification and Approval: The Registrar checks your form and signature for validity and completeness.
• Payout: Upon approval, your claim is paid out from the Unclaimed Dividend/Redemption Scheme (UDRS), along with applicable appreciation.

How Unclaimed Mutual Fund Money is Managed—and Appreciation Rules

• All unclaimed or inactive mutual fund amounts are invested in low-risk, liquid or overnight mutual fund schemes (as mandated by SEBI).
• For up to 3 years, any gain in NAV is paid to the claimant along with their original investment.
• After 3 years, further gains are credited to SEBI’s investor education fund, but you’ll still receive your investments’ value as on the third anniversary.
• Claims, once approved, are processed and paid within 2-5 working days.

Important: Grievance Redress Mechanism

Contact your AMC/RTA first for any issues. If not resolved promptly, escalate the complaint to SEBI via the SCORES Portal.

Key Facts About Unclaimed Mutual Funds

• Inactive folios: No investor transaction for 10 years but a balance remains—trackable via MITRA.
• Unclaimed amounts are actively invested and generate capital appreciation for at least 3 years.
• There is no fee for claim—getting back unclaimed mutual fund money is always free for investors or legal heirs.
• Reminders and account statements are routinely sent to the registered email/documented address.
• There is no time limit to initiate a claim—your right to recover is perpetual.

Actionable Tips to Avoid Losing Mutual Funds

• Always keep your KYC, address, bank details, and nominee information up to date with your AMC/RTA.
• After any redemption request, check whether the payout has been credited; take quick action if not.

Official Resources

• MF Central MITRA – Search Unclaimed Mutual Funds
• KFin RTA
• CAMS RTA
• Ministry of Finance, Unclaimed Mutual Funds FAQs (PDF, pg. 10-13)

Conclusion

With digital conveniences like MITRA, India’s financial system—under SEBI’s watch—puts the power to reclaim your mutual fund investments into your hands. Don’t let paperwork, old addresses, or time get in the way of your wealth. Check, claim, and secure your family’s mutual fund legacy today.

This blog is based only on facts laid out in the Ministry of Finance’s September 2025 financial asset rights booklet.