Payment on the death of account holder: nominees may claim NSC VIII balances; succession certificate required for amounts over Rs.5 lakh. If a nomination exists the nominee(s) may claim the eligible balance in Form-2 with proof of death; shares follow depositor specification or equal division, and a minor's payment goes to the appointed person or guardian. Absent a nomination and without probate/letters of administration or a succession certificate within six months, the accounts office may pay claims up to Rs. 5 lakh to a person appearing to be the rightful claimant on submission of specified documents; amounts above Rs. 5 lakh require a court-issued succession certificate and supporting documents.