Short answer

Pennsylvania does not use a single, statewide “small estate affidavit” procedure that automatically forces banks to release funds the way some other states do. Instead, recovery of a deceased person’s bank account depends on how the account was titled, the bank’s own policies, and whether formal estate administration (probate or letters of administration) is required by the bank or county Register of Wills. If the account has a payable-on-death (POD) or joint-owner designation, the money usually transfers outside probate. If not, individual banks sometimes permit release of modest balances with a certified death certificate and an affidavit or claim form; for larger or contested estates you generally must open administration with the Register of Wills or Orphans’ Court.

Detailed answer — step-by-step under Pennsylvania law

1. First check how the account is titled

If the account is titled jointly with rights of survivorship (e.g., “John Doe and Jane Doe”), the surviving co-owner usually becomes sole owner when the other dies. If the account names a payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary or transfer-on-death (TOD) designee, the bank typically pays the named beneficiary directly when presented with a certified death certificate and ID. These transfers avoid probate.

2. If the account is only in the decedent’s name (no POD, no joint owner)

Banks differ. Many banks will pay small sums to an heir or family member on receipt of a certified death certificate, a signed affidavit from the claimant, and proof of identity, but the bank’s internal policy controls whether and how much it will release without probate. Other banks will refuse and require formal estate administration (the appointment of an administrator or executor by the Register of Wills/Orphans’ Court).

3. There is no uniform Pennsylvania “small estate affidavit” that overrides bank policies

Unlike some states that have a statutory small‑estate affidavit with a fixed dollar limit, Pennsylvania relies on probate procedures in the county courts and on financial institutions’ policies. To understand whether a bank must pay without probate, ask the bank what documents it requires and whether it has a small‑claim release form.

4. When formal administration is required

If the bank requires it (or if there are multiple heirs or a dispute), you must file for administration with the county Register of Wills or the local Orphans’ Court. That process results in issuance of Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is not). The appointed fiduciary then has legal authority to collect bank funds, pay debts, and distribute assets under court supervision.

5. Pennsylvania inheritance tax and paperwork to expect

Estate settlement in Pennsylvania usually involves an inheritance tax filing. Before banks will release certain assets, they or the Register of Wills may require that the estate’s inheritance tax return be filed or that a bond and other documents be in place. For guidance from the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Decedents, Estates, and Fiduciaries), see Title 20: 20 Pa. C.S. (Consolidated Statutes) – Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries. For inheritance tax rules, see the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue: PA Department of Revenue.

6. Typical documents the bank or Register of Wills may request

• Certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate (obtainable from PA Department of Health).
• Photo ID for the person claiming the funds.
• The bank’s affidavit/claim form (if the bank provides one).
• Copy of the decedent’s will (if any) and any beneficiary designations.
• Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary, if probate has been opened.
• Proof of relationship (family records) if the bank wants confirmation of heirship.

7. Hypothetical example

Suppose your father died owning a single checking account in his name with $3,200, no will, and no POD or joint owner. Step one: call the bank’s estate or legal department and ask their requirements for paying an heir when an account holder dies. They might accept a certified death certificate and an affidavit you sign explaining you are the surviving child and that the amount is under the bank’s small‑amount release threshold. If the bank refuses, you would file a petition for administration in the county Register of Wills; the court can appoint you as administrator so you can lawfully collect the $3,200 and distribute it according to Pennsylvania intestacy rules.

8. Where to get county-specific information and forms

Procedures and forms vary by county. Contact the Register of Wills in the county where your father lived to learn whether the county offers any small‑estate process or what probate steps are required. For general court information, use the Pennsylvania Courts site: Pennsylvania Courts. For vital records (death certificates), see the PA Department of Health Vital Records: PA Department of Health – Vital Records.

Helpful hints

• Start by calling the bank’s estate or legal department and your local Register of Wills. Ask specifically what documents they will accept to release funds without administration.
• Get multiple certified copies of the death certificate early — banks and courts will require them.
• Look for POD or beneficiary designations on account paperwork. Those override probate for that asset.
• If you think the amount will be released informally, bring a written, signed affidavit stating your relationship, a certified death certificate, your ID, and recent account statements.
• If the bank requires probate, filing for administration can often be done without an attorney in straightforward, uncontested small estates, but consider legal help if multiple heirs or debts exist.
• Remember Pennsylvania inheritance tax rules may require filing a tax return for the estate — check with the Department of Revenue early to avoid delays.
• Keep careful records of all communications, forms, and funds received so you can account for distributions later.