What Happens to Your RSU / ESPP Account Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Type
Restricted Stock Units & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Urgency
High — unvested RSUs may be forfeited
RSU Rule
Unvested RSUs typically forfeited; check for acceleration
ESPP Rule
Pending contributions may be refunded
Step-by-Step Guide
Contact employer about RSU and ESPP status
Immediately contact the employer's HR or equity team to determine the status of all RSU grants and ESPP enrollment. Ask whether any RSU vesting will be accelerated upon death (some plans provide this) and what happens to pending ESPP contributions.
Estimated time: Within 1 week
Review RSU vesting schedule and death provisions
Obtain copies of all RSU grant agreements and review the death/disability provisions. Some agreements accelerate vesting upon death (partial or full), while others forfeit all unvested units. The grant agreement controls — not the will.
Claim vested RSU shares
For RSUs that have already vested, the shares are the property of the estate. Contact the stock plan administrator to transfer the shares to the estate's brokerage account. Vested RSU shares receive a stepped-up cost basis at date of death.
Estimated time: 2-4 weeks
Resolve ESPP contributions
If the deceased was enrolled in an ESPP, accumulated contributions from the current purchase period will be refunded (typically without the purchase discount). Contact the plan administrator to request the refund to the estate.
Document Now Checklist
- Employer name
- Stock plan administrator
- Vested RSU shares (number and value)
- Unvested RSU grants
- ESPP enrollment status
- ESPP accumulated contributions
- Grant agreement copies
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with RSU / ESPP Account. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Workday
Contact the deceased's employer HR department first — they coordinate most of these benefits and can provide contact information for each plan administrator.
ADP
Contact the deceased's employer HR department first — they coordinate most of these benefits and can provide contact information for each plan administrator.
Paychex
Contact the deceased's employer HR department first — they coordinate most of these benefits and can provide contact information for each plan administrator.
Protect your RSU / ESPP Account account — and all your others
Document your digital life in a zero-knowledge encrypted vault. 1,800+ platform guides. Dead Man's Switch. Everything your family needs.
Start your free trial →