Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Find Unclaimed Assets in Colorado

If you have ever moved, changed jobs, opened and closed bank accounts, or forgotten about a refund, you may have unclaimed property waiting in Colorado. This can include old paychecks, utility deposits, bank accounts, insurance payouts, and more.

This guide explains, step by step, how people typically find and claim unclaimed assets in Colorado through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office or claims portal. This article is for information only so you can better understand the process and then contact the appropriate official Colorado agencies directly.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Colorado?

In Colorado, “unclaimed property” or “unclaimed assets” generally refers to money or financial assets that belong to you but were turned over to the state because:

• The company or institution could not contact you, or
• The account was inactive for a certain period of time.

Common examples include:

• Uncashed paychecks
• Forgotten bank or credit union accounts
• Utility deposits and refunds
• Insurance policy proceeds (including life insurance)
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stocks, dividends, and mutual funds
• Money orders or cashier’s checks
• Refunds or credits from businesses

Physical property from safe deposit boxes may be handled differently than cash; often it may be auctioned after a holding period, with the proceeds held for the owner.

Colorado’s state unclaimed property program is designed to safeguard these assets until the rightful owner or heirs file a claim through the official state process.

Who Can Search for Unclaimed Property in Colorado?

Most people with ties to Colorado can search. Typical examples include:

• Current or former Colorado residents
• People who worked in Colorado but lived elsewhere
• Heirs, executors, or personal representatives of someone who has died
• Businesses, nonprofits, or estates that may have unclaimed funds

You do not need to still live in Colorado to search and submit a claim. What matters is that the asset was reported to Colorado under your:

• Name or previous name
• Business name
• Last known Colorado address

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

You can search without documents, but having information ready makes the process smoother if you find a match.

It often helps to gather:

• Full legal name (including middle name/initial)
• Previous names (maiden name, name before marriage/divorce, common spelling variations)
• Date of birth
• Past Colorado addresses
• Names of former employers in Colorado
• Names of banks, insurers, or utilities you used in Colorado

For potential heir or estate claims, it helps to note:

• The full legal name of the deceased person
• Their last known address in Colorado
• Approximate date of death

You do not normally submit all of this in the search tool, but it helps you identify whether a listed asset is likely yours and what documents you may need later.

Step 2: Use Colorado’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

Colorado maintains an official state unclaimed property database where the public can look up unclaimed funds. Many people prefer to:

1. Go to the official Colorado state unclaimed property website run by the state treasurer or designated agency.
2. Confirm it is an official site:
   • The web address typically ends in “.gov”
   • It clearly references the State of Colorado and the official state treasurer or unclaimed property division
3. Locate the search tool (often labeled “Search for Unclaimed Property” or “Search Claims”).

You can usually search by:

• Last name and first name (or business name)
• Sometimes by city or zip code

Tips for searching:

• Try different spellings of your name.
• Search under maiden names, prior married names, or nicknames sometimes used on accounts.
• If your name is common, narrow by city or look at the listed addresses.

If you do not have internet access or prefer help by phone, you can usually:

• Call the Colorado unclaimed property office (listed on the official state website or in state government directories), and
• Ask if they can help you check for unclaimed property by name.

Step 3: Review the Search Results Carefully

When you search, your results typically show:

• Owner name
• Reported address or city
• Holder (for example, a bank, insurer, or company)
• Type of property (wages, bank account, refund, etc.)
• Sometimes approximate dollar range (not always exact)

Go through the list and ask:

• Does the name match mine or a family member’s?
• Does the address or city look familiar?
• Does the business/holder ring a bell (old employer, insurance, utility, bank)?

You can typically select items that appear to be yours by checking a box or clicking a claim button.

For potential heir or estate claims, look for:

• The deceased person’s exact or very close name
• An address where you know they lived
• Businesses they used (employer, bank, insurer)

Step 4: Start a Claim Through the Official State System

Once you have identified property that appears to belong to you (or to someone whose estate you represent), the next step is to start an official claim.

This usually involves:

1. Selecting the items you want to claim
2. Clicking a “File Claim” or “Start Claim” button in the official system
3. Providing basic contact information, such as:
   • Your current mailing address
   • Phone number and email address
   • Relationship to the owner (self, heir, executor, etc.)

The state unclaimed property office will use this information to process your claim and contact you if they need more details.

Important: HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or process claims. To move forward, you must use the official Colorado unclaimed property website or office.

Step 5: Prepare the Documents You May Need

Colorado’s unclaimed property program usually requires proof of identity and proof of ownership before releasing funds. The exact documents can vary depending on:

• Whether you are the original owner, a joint owner, or a business representative
• Whether you are claiming for a deceased person
• The type and value of the property

Below is a general idea of what claimants are often asked to provide.

Common documents for individuals (claiming for yourself)

• Government-issued photo ID
  • For example: driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID
• Proof of current address
  • For example: utility bill, bank statement, lease, or official letter with your name and address
• Proof of your Social Security number (sometimes requested)
  • For example: Social Security card, tax document, or pay stub showing the full or partial number

Additional documents that may be needed

You may be asked for:

• Proof you lived at the address listed with the unclaimed property
  • For example: old utility bill, pay stub, W‑2, or lease
• Marriage certificate or court order
  • If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or other legal change
• Business documents (if claiming for a business)
  • For example: business license, corporate resolution, letter of authorization, or tax ID documentation

Documents for heirs or estate representatives

If you are claiming property for someone who has passed away, commonly requested documents can include:

• Death certificate
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legal document)
• Letters testamentary, letters of administration, or court appointment
  • Showing you are the personal representative, executor, or administrator
• Estate documentation (if an estate is open)
  • Court orders or other legal paperwork

The Colorado unclaimed property office typically lists specific document requirements on the claim form or in follow‑up correspondence.

Step 6: Submit Your Claim and Documents

After you have gathered your documents, the next step is to submit them to the official Colorado unclaimed property office. Methods may include:

• Online upload through the state’s official unclaimed property portal (if available)
• Mailing copies to the address provided on the claim form
• In some cases, fax or in-person submission may be possible, depending on the office’s policies

Always:

• Follow the instructions on your claim form
• Note any claim number or reference number
• Keep copies of everything you send

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot receive or transmit these forms on your behalf. You must send them directly to the official Colorado agency handling unclaimed property.

Step 7: What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once your claim and documents are submitted, the Colorado unclaimed property office will typically:

1. Review your identity documents
2. Verify your connection to the account or asset
3. Confirm that no other person or entity has a stronger claim

If everything is complete and verified:

• The office usually approves the claim and issues payment, often by check or direct deposit (depending on their policies).

Typical timelines can vary. Some straightforward claims may be processed in a few weeks, while more complex or high‑value cases, or estate/heir claims, may take longer.

If the office needs more information, they may:

• Send a letter or email
• Ask for additional documents
• Request clarification about your relationship to the original owner

It’s important to respond promptly and keep your contact information up to date.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Delays or denials usually relate to missing or conflicting information, such as:

• Incomplete claim forms
• Missing proof of identity or address
• No clear proof connecting you to the reported address or owner name
• Name mismatches (for example, a claim filed under a nickname without proof that links it to your legal name)
• Lack of proper estate documentation for deceased owner claims
• Another person or entity already claimed the same property with stronger documentation

If your claim is denied, the notice from the Colorado unclaimed property office typically explains:

• Why the claim was denied
• Whether you can correct the issue and resubmit
• Any steps you can take to request a review or appeal

If you don’t understand the reason, you can usually call the state unclaimed property office using the official phone number listed on their letter or website.

How to Verify You Are Using Official Colorado Channels

Because unclaimed property involves money, there are scam risks. To protect yourself:

Check you are on an official site:

• Look for “.gov” in the website address.
• Confirm it references the State of Colorado and an official office, such as the state treasurer.
• Avoid websites that look like private businesses pretending to be the government.

Be cautious about fees:

• State unclaimed property programs generally do not require a fee to search or file a claim directly with the state.
• Some private “finders” may offer to help you for a fee or percentage. If you consider using one, read the contract carefully and understand that you can usually file directly with the state at no cost.

Guard your personal information:

• Do not share your full Social Security number, bank account information, or ID with unverified websites.
• When in doubt, contact the Colorado unclaimed property office using a phone number from an official state source (such as a state government directory or the back of state tax forms).

If someone calls or emails you claiming you have unclaimed property but demands upfront payment, gift cards, or bank login details, treat it as a warning sign and verify directly with the state agency before responding.

Using National Tools to Find Other Unclaimed Assets

If you have lived or worked in other states besides Colorado, you may have unclaimed property outside of Colorado as well.

Common steps people take include:

• Searching each state’s official unclaimed property website where they lived, worked, or did business
• Using a well‑known national unclaimed property search tool that directs you to each state’s official site
• Checking federal sources for certain types of funds, such as:
  • Past federal tax refunds (through the Internal Revenue Service)
  • Certain savings bonds or federal payments

Each state and federal program has its own process, and you will need to follow the instructions specific to that office.

Quick Comparison: Types of Colorado Unclaimed Claims

Below is a simple overview of common claim types and what they typically involve.

The Colorado unclaimed property office will usually spell out the exact documentation in the claim instructions or follow‑up notice.

If You Do Not Find Anything in Colorado

If your search does not show any unclaimed property in Colorado:

• Try alternate spellings of your name
• Search prior last names or maiden names
• Look under business names if you owned a company
• Consider whether your unclaimed asset might have been turned over to another state instead of Colorado (for example, if the company was based in another state)

In many cases, if there truly is no record for your name, there is simply no property currently reported in your name. New property is reported over time, so some people choose to:

• Check again once a year or so, especially if they move often or handle many accounts.

For immediate financial needs, remember that unclaimed property is not a guaranteed or predictable source of money. It is more like checking for forgotten funds than applying for a benefit program.

Where to Turn With Questions

If you have questions about:

• How to complete your claim
• Which documents to send
• The status of a pending claim
• A denial or request for more information

You would typically contact:

• The Colorado unclaimed property office or the state treasurer’s unclaimed property division, using the phone number or mailing address listed on:
  • The official Colorado unclaimed property website, or
  • Any official correspondence you receive about your claim.

They are the ones who can review your specific situation, tell you what is missing, and guide you on any next steps through the official claims process.

HowToGetAssistance.org can help you understand the general process, but it cannot access your claim, check your status, or make decisions about your property. For any action on a claim, you will need to go through Colorado’s official government channels.