FAQs
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RARECLAIMS?
RARECLAIMS is a consultancy that helps investors, families, and NRIs recover shares, dividends, and other financial holdings that have gone unclaimed — including assets transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). We take care of documentation, filings, and follow-ups with the relevant authorities so you don’t have to manage the process on your own.
What exactly is the IEPF?
The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is a statutory fund maintained by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. Under law, shares and dividends that remain unclaimed for seven straight years are moved into this fund. Owners — or their legal heirs — can get these assets back by submitting a formal claim, which is exactly what RARECLAIMS manages on your behalf.
Is RARECLAIMS a government body?
No. RARECLAIMS is an independent, privately run consultancy. We have no affiliation with the IEPF Authority, SEBI, or any other government department — we simply specialise in guiding clients through the official recovery procedure.
Who is eligible to claim unclaimed shares or investments?
The original shareholder can file a claim at any point. Where the holder has passed away, legal heirs — spouse, children, or other eligible relatives under succession law — can claim in their place, provided they submit the right supporting paperwork, such as a legal heir or succession certificate.
Why do shares end up with the IEPF in the first place?
When dividends on a shareholding go unclaimed for seven consecutive years, the underlying shares are automatically shifted to the IEPF under Section 124 of the Companies Act, 2013. This usually happens because of outdated bank details, a changed address, incorrect PAN information, or simply because the shareholder wasn’t aware dividends had been declared.
How does RARECLAIMS actually help with recovery?
We handle the full journey: checking whether your shares have landed at the IEPF, collecting and preparing the necessary documents, filing Form IEPF-5 online, liaising with the company’s nodal officer, following up with the IEPF Authority, and confirming that shares have been credited to your demat account. You won’t need to visit any government office yourself.
What does the recovery process actually look like, step by step?
- Free consultation — we assess your case and confirm whether it’s eligible.
- Document collection — gathering and reviewing everything needed.
- Preparation — drafting all required forms and legal paperwork.
- Filing — submitting Form IEPF-5 online and forwarding it to the company’s nodal officer.
- Follow-up — coordinating with the IEPF Authority through verification and approval.
- Confirmation — verifying that shares have landed in your demat account.
How long does a claim usually take to resolve?
Most IEPF claims take somewhere between 6 and 12 months from the date a complete filing is submitted, depending on how quickly the company responds and whether there are any document issues. Share transmission cases that don’t involve the IEPF tend to move faster — typically 2 to 4 months when documentation is complete.
What paperwork do I need to get started?
It depends on the type of case. For a standard IEPF claim, you’ll generally need: PAN card, Aadhaar, bank account proof, demat account details, the original share certificate (if you still have it), and a cancelled cheque. Transmission cases additionally need a death certificate, a legal heir or succession certificate, and the claimant’s identity proof. We’ll give you a checklist tailored to your case during your free consultation.
Will I need to appear in court or visit a government office myself?
In most cases, no — we handle interactions with government offices, RTAs, and filings on your behalf. Some succession certificate matters may require a short court appearance in your local jurisdiction, but we’ll walk you through exactly what’s needed and keep your personal involvement to a minimum.
Is the first consultation free?
Yes, at no cost and with no obligation. In this session, we review your case, confirm whether your shares are recoverable, and explain the process and expected timeline.
Can a nominee file a claim for unclaimed shares?
Yes. If a nominee is registered against the shareholder’s folio, they can file the claim using their identity proof, the original holder’s death certificate, and demat account details — a comparatively simple process.
What if there's no registered nominee and the shareholder has passed away?
Without a nominee, legal heirs need to establish their right to claim through either a legal heir certificate (issued by a tahsildar or revenue authority) or a succession certificate (issued by a civil court) — which one applies depends on the state and value of the assets involved. RARECLAIMS assists with obtaining the correct certificate.
Will I be kept updated on my case?
Yes — you’ll get updates at each key stage: document submission, filing confirmation, nodal officer acknowledgement, and final credit to your account.
Is my personal data safe with RARECLAIMS?
Yes. All documents and case information are handled confidentially and are not shared or sold to third parties. Our processes are built to safeguard client privacy at every stage.
Do you sell or share client data with anyone?
No — never. Your personal and financial information is used solely to process your claim, in line with our privacy policy.
Why go through RARECLAIMS instead of filing myself?
Between government portals, legal paperwork, RTA coordination, and cross-agency compliance, even a small error or missing document can set a case back by months. [Insert RARECLAIMS’ actual track record/experience here.] Most clients find the time saved and improved success rate well worth the fee.
Can NRIs use RARECLAIMS' services?
Yes — our process is fully remote for NRIs, so there’s no need to travel to India. We manage FEMA compliance, cross-border paperwork, and all coordination with Indian authorities and RTAs on your behalf.
Can I still claim shares if the company no longer exists?
In most cases, yes. Where a company has merged, been acquired, or renamed itself, the shares usually carry over to the successor entity. We trace the corporate history and file the claim against whichever entity now holds the obligation.