Step-by-Step Guide to Filing an Online Unclaimed Assets Claim

Unclaimed assets can include old bank accounts, paychecks, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and other funds that were never delivered to you. When businesses lose touch with you, they are often required to send this money to a state unclaimed property office until the rightful owner claims it.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how people typically file an unclaimed assets claim online through official state portals. It is for information only. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, not an unclaimed property office, and not a claim submission site. To actually file or check a claim, you must use your state’s official unclaimed property website or office.

What Are Unclaimed Assets?

In most states, “unclaimed property” or “unclaimed assets” refers to money and certain financial accounts that have been inactive for a set time and could not be returned to the owner.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts that were closed or dormant
• Uncashed paychecks or commission checks
• Unredeemed cashier’s checks or money orders
• Utility deposits (electric, gas, water, cable, internet)
• Insurance proceeds or policy benefits
• Refunds or rebates never received
• Safe deposit box contents (handled differently and often not fully online)
• Retirement accounts that couldn’t be delivered after you left a job

States usually hold this property until the rightful owner (or heir) files a claim, with no deadline in many cases. The process and rules can differ by state.

Who Typically Can File an Unclaimed Assets Claim?

You may be able to file a claim online if you are:

• The original owner listed on the account or check
• A joint owner (such as a spouse or business partner)
• An heir or beneficiary, if the original owner has died
• A legal representative, such as someone with power of attorney or a court-appointed executor
• A business owner or officer reclaiming assets in a company’s name

Each state sets its own eligibility requirements and documentation rules, especially for:

• Name changes (marriage, divorce, etc.)
• Deceased owners
• Business claims
• Trusts and estates

To confirm whether you personally qualify for a specific claim, you’ll need to review the instructions on your state’s official unclaimed property website or contact the state unclaimed property office directly.

Before You Begin: Gather Key Information

Preparing in advance can make an online claim much smoother. While requirements vary by state, people are commonly asked for:

Personal Information

• Full legal name (and any previous names used)
• Date of birth
• Current address
• Past addresses (especially where the asset may have been created)
• Phone number and email address

Identification Documents

Most states require at least one clear copy of a government-issued ID, such as:

• Driver’s license or state ID card
• Passport
• Military ID (where accepted)

Some also ask for:

• Social Security number (full or partial, typically for verification)
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for business claims

Proof of Address or Ownership

To show that you are the same person (or business) the asset belongs to, common documents include:

• Utility bill with your name and address
• Bank statement
• Lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill
• Old documents showing a previous address that matches the claim

Special Situations

If you’re filing for someone else or for a business, you may also need:

• Marriage certificate (for name change or spouse claims)
• Divorce decree (if your name changed)
• Death certificate (for deceased owners)
• Will, letters testamentary, or court appointment (if you are an executor or administrator)
• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, or other proof of authority)

Quick Checklist: Common Documents for Online Unclaimed Asset Claims

Always check your state’s official instructions, since exact requirements can differ.

Step 1: Find the Official Unclaimed Property Website

Unclaimed property is usually handled at the state level, often by:

• The State Treasurer
• The State Comptroller
• The Department of Revenue
• Another state unclaimed property division

Because there are many unofficial websites, it’s important to confirm you are on an official government site, not a private company.

How to Verify You’re on an Official Site

Look for clues such as:

• The website ends in “.gov” (for most U.S. state sites)
• The site clearly lists a state government office (e.g., “[State] Treasurer” or “[State] Department of Revenue”)
• There is a published state address and phone number matching other state contacts
• The site does not require you to pay a fee to simply search for unclaimed property

If you are unsure which site is official, you can:

• Call your state treasurer’s office or state comptroller’s office using a number listed on your state’s main government website.
• Ask your state consumer protection office or Attorney General’s office for verification.
• Call 211 in many areas and ask for help identifying your state’s official unclaimed property office.

Step 2: Search for Unclaimed Assets in Your Name

Once you’re on your state’s official unclaimed property site, there is usually a search box or “Search for Unclaimed Property” option.

You may be asked for:

• Last name (sometimes first initial or full first name)
• City or ZIP code
• Previous names (such as maiden names or prior married names)

Tips for a Thorough Search

• Search every version of your name
  • Example: “Robert,” “Bob,” or with/without a middle initial.
• Search past addresses and cities where you have lived or worked.
• Search for your business name, if you owned or currently own a company.
• Search for relatives (especially deceased parents or grandparents), if your state allows it.

If your name appears in the results, pay attention to:

• The reported holder (for example, a bank, insurance company, or employer)
• The approximate amount or asset type (if shown)
• The address on file (current or old)

Step 3: Select the Property and Start the Online Claim

When you find property that appears to belong to you (or someone you’re claiming for):

1. Check each record carefully

   • Confirm that the name is right.
   • Confirm that the address, employer, or company name looks familiar.

2. Select the property

   • Most sites let you check a box or click a “Claim” or “Add to Cart” button.

3. Indicate your relationship to the owner
   Typical options include:

   • Owner
   • Heir or beneficiary
   • Executor/administrator
   • Business representative

4. Create an online account, if required

   • Some portals ask you to set up a username and password.
   • Others let you proceed as a guest and track with a claim ID.

Remember, you are only initiating the claim through the official state website or office—HowToGetAssistance.org cannot start or submit this for you.

Step 4: Complete the Online Claim Form

Next, you’ll typically fill out an online form. Information commonly requested includes:

• Your full legal name
• Names used on the account (if different)
• Current mailing address
• Phone number and email
• Social Security number (full or partial, depending on the state)
• Details about the property, if known (e.g., an old bank’s name or employer)

Accuracy Matters

To avoid delays:

• Match the spelling of the name shown in the claim.
• Ensure your mailing address is current and complete.
• Enter your contact information carefully, especially your email.
• Answer any extra questions about your connection to the property honestly and clearly.

At the end of this step, most systems:

• Give you a claim number or confirmation page, and
• Explain whether you must upload, mail, or fax supporting documents.

Save or write down your claim number, as you’ll likely need it to check status later.

Step 5: Upload or Send Supporting Documents

Even when you file online, most states require proof that you are the correct person. The specific documents depend on your situation and your state’s rules.

Common Ways to Submit Documents

• Upload scanned copies or clear photos through the portal
• Mail photocopies to the state office, with your claim number written on each page
• Fax documents, in some cases

Check your state’s instructions carefully. Some states do not accept:

• Blurry or unreadable images
• Partial documents (cut-off pages)
• Uncertified copies of critical legal documents, in some situations (such as court orders)

Tips for Submitting Documents Online

• Use a well-lit photo or scan with all corners visible.
• Make sure names, dates, and addresses are readable.
• If submitting multiple pages, label them clearly with your claim number.
• If your name changed, include documents linking your past name to your current one.

Step 6: Track Your Claim Status

After your claim and documents are submitted:

• The state office will review your claim and compare your documents to what they have on file.
• Processing times vary widely by state and by how complex your claim is.

How to Check Status

Most official unclaimed property websites offer one or more of these options:

• Online claim status tool (using your claim ID and sometimes your SSN or email)
• Phone number for the state unclaimed property office
• Email or contact form where you can ask about your claim

When you contact the office, have ready:

• Your claim number
• The name on the claim
• Any mailing or email reference you may have received

Step 7: Receiving Your Unclaimed Funds

If your claim is approved, you are usually paid by:

• Paper check mailed to the address you provided
• In some states, direct deposit or electronic payment, if offered

The payment timeline depends on:

• The state’s procedures
• Whether your claim required extra review or corrections
• The method of payment used by the state

If your claim is denied or closed, you are normally notified by:

• Mail
• Email
• A status update on the official portal

The notice may explain why and whether you can submit additional documents or appeal.

Common Reasons Unclaimed Asset Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Many delays come from simple issues that can often be corrected. Typical reasons include:

• Missing documents (for example, no proof of address for the year in question)
• Unclear or unreadable ID copies
• Name mismatch (for example, the record shows a maiden name, but your documents don’t show the link)
• Incomplete claim form (missing contact details or SSN when required)
• Incorrectly chosen relationship (claiming as “owner” when you are actually an heir)
• Conflicting information (address or date of birth not matching state records)

If your claim is delayed or denied:

1. Review any message or letter from the state carefully.
2. Gather whatever additional documents they request.
3. Call or email the state unclaimed property office if instructions are unclear.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

If you believe a denial was made in error:

• Check your state’s appeal or review instructions on the official website.
• Some states let you submit additional documents and ask for reconsideration without a formal appeal.
• For more complex disputes, you may need to follow a formal appeals process, which might involve written statements or, in rare cases, administrative hearings.

If you are unsure how to proceed, you may consider:

• Contacting the state office directly for clarification.
• Seeking independent legal advice if the amount is large or the situation is complex.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not provide legal representation or handle appeals—we only explain the typical process.

Scam Warnings: Protect Yourself When Claiming Online

Because unclaimed property can involve money, it sometimes attracts scammers. To stay safe:

Red Flags to Watch For

• A site that charges a fee just to search for unclaimed property.

• Emails, texts, or calls that:

  • Demand upfront payment to “release” your funds.
  • Ask for your full Social Security number, bank PIN, or passwords through email or text.
  • Come from suspicious addresses or unfamiliar domains.

• A website that:

  • Does not show a government agency name or contact information.
  • Does not have secure connections (no lock icon in the browser).

Typical Legitimate Practices

• Most state unclaimed property offices do not charge you to:

  • Search for property
  • File a claim

• Some states allow “finders” or “locators” (private individuals or companies) to help for a fee. These are usually optional services, and you can usually claim directly from the state at no cost.

If in doubt:

• Call your state treasurer’s office or unclaimed property division using a phone number from your main state government website.
• Ask them to confirm whether a letter, email, or website is legitimate.

What If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Property?

If your search shows no results:

• Try searching again with:

  • Different spellings or versions of your name
  • Additional cities or states where you have lived or worked
  • Any business names you have used

• Remember that each state holds its own unclaimed property. If you have moved around, you may need to search in multiple states where you previously:

  • Lived
  • Worked
  • Opened accounts or policies

If you still find nothing, it may simply mean there is no unclaimed property currently listed in your name. You can always check again later, as companies report new unclaimed property at different times.

Alternatives and Additional Resources

If you do not qualify for a particular claim, or if someone else in your family might be eligible:

• Consider whether a spouse, parent, or other relative might have property you can help them claim, if they authorize you or if you are a legal representative.
• For extremely old or complicated claims, you may want to:
  • Contact the state unclaimed property office for guidance.
  • Seek independent legal counsel if large amounts or multiple heirs are involved.

For general assistance with identifying the correct office or getting help with forms, you can:

• Call 211 in many areas to be connected with local information and referral services.
• Contact your state consumer protection office for questions about potential scams or suspicious contacts.

By following the steps above—verifying you are on an official state website, searching carefully, completing the online claim form, and submitting clear documentation—many people are able to successfully reclaim unclaimed assets through official channels. All actual claims must be filed and processed by the relevant state unclaimed property office or other official agency, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.