Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Re: Can you claim money without telling the beneficiaries?

You do not provide enough facts for me to reply. If your mother has died, whose Will is involved and of what interest is it to your aunt? If you are a named beneficiary in a Will and/or have an interest in an estate, you should be notified by the Executor that a Will has been submitted for probate. If you are not sure if you are named in a Will, you can contact the Surrogate and for a small fee get a copy of the Will involved.