I have some savings bonds. on the bottom of the bond it says POD and my mom&#39;s name. Does this mean she has to be dead before i can cash it? POD = payable on death. If the bond is made out to *you* with POD to mom's name, you can cash them at any time after 1 year of issue. If the bond is made out to *her* with POD to your name, she can cash them at any time after 1 year of issue; you can only cash it if she has died and you can produce the death certificate.