How To File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Connecticut: Step-by-Step Guide

If you have ever lived, worked, or done business in Connecticut, you might have unclaimed money or property waiting for you. Filing an unclaimed assets claim is usually straightforward, but it helps to understand the process before you start.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed property works in Connecticut, how to search for your name, how to file a claim, and what to expect afterward.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not an official state agency, does not manage unclaimed property, and cannot process or check the status of claims. To actually file, you will need to use Connecticut’s official unclaimed property system or contact the appropriate state office.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, unclaimed property (also called unclaimed assets) generally means money or property owed to you that a business or institution couldn’t reach you about for a certain period of time. After that, the company is required to turn it over to the state.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts or credit union accounts that were inactive
• Uncashed checks, such as payroll or refund checks
• Security deposits, like utility or apartment deposits
• Insurance proceeds or policy payouts
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Gift certificates or store credits (in some situations)

In Connecticut, these assets are typically handled by the Office of the State Treasurer – Unclaimed Property Division (often branded as “Treasurer’s Office” or similar). The state holds the property until the rightful owner or heir files a claim.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Connecticut?

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

• The original owner whose name appears on the unclaimed property record
• A current or former Connecticut resident (or someone who had business ties there)
• An heir or beneficiary of someone who has passed away
• A business owner whose company has unclaimed funds
• A representative with legal authority, such as:
  • Executor or administrator of an estate
  • Court-appointed guardian or conservator
  • Trustee or officer of a business

The name and address on record are important. Even if you have moved out of Connecticut, you can often still claim property that was reported there.

Basic Eligibility Clues

You may have a good chance of finding and claiming unclaimed assets in Connecticut if:

• You lived or worked in Connecticut at any time
• You changed addresses and did not update all your accounts
• You closed a bank account or moved banks
• You left a job and might have uncashed checks or retirement funds
• A relative who lived in Connecticut has died, and you’re an heir or executor

If any of these sound familiar, it can be worth doing a free search through the state’s official unclaimed property search tool or database.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Connecticut

The first step is to see whether the state is holding any property in your name.

Typically, you can search:

• Online, using the official Connecticut unclaimed property search page
• By mail, by writing to the Unclaimed Property Division and requesting information
• By phone, by calling the state treasurer’s unclaimed property office

To use the online search tool, you usually need:

• Your last name (and first name to narrow the results)
• Possible prior last names (for example, maiden names)
• Any business names you own or manage

When you search, look carefully at:

• Name spelling and variations
• Old addresses you’ve used in Connecticut
• Business names, trade names, or abbreviations

If you find records that match your information, the system usually allows you to start a claim directly from that record.

Step 2: Identify the Type of Claim (Owner, Heir, Business, etc.)

Once you find property that may belong to you, you will usually need to select the claim type, such as:

• Individual owner (you are the person listed)
• Joint owner (more than one person listed)
• Heir or estate (original owner is deceased)
• Business / organization (you represent a company, nonprofit, or other entity)

Your claim type determines what documents you must submit.

Common Claim Types and Key Requirements

The state’s instructions usually spell out exactly what you need for each scenario. If you’re uncertain, the unclaimed property office can often clarify by phone or email.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

Connecticut typically requires you to provide identity and ownership verification before releasing property. While the exact list can vary by claim, it often includes:

1. Proof of Identity

For individuals, this is often:

• A government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
  • Military ID

For businesses or organizations:

• ID for the person filing, plus
• Documents showing their authority to act for the business (see below).

2. Proof of Current or Former Address

To show that you are the person connected to the unclaimed account, you may need proof that you lived at or used the address listed on the record. This might include:

• Utility bills
• Lease agreements
• Old pay stubs
• Bank or credit card statements
• Tax forms (e.g., W-2, 1099)
• Official letters showing your name and address

If the address is very old and you don’t have records, the state may accept alternate documentation or may ask for additional proof. The unclaimed property office can explain acceptable alternatives.

3. Estate or Heir Documentation (If the Owner Is Deceased)

If you’re claiming on behalf of someone who has passed away, you may need:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will, if there is one
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration (proof you are the executor/administrator)
• Small estate affidavits, if applicable under Connecticut law
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Other legal documents showing you as heir or beneficiary

The exact requirements often depend on the value of the property and whether the estate went through probate.

4. Business or Organization Documentation

If a business name is on the unclaimed property, you may be asked for:

• Business registration documents (such as articles of incorporation or organization)
• Tax ID (EIN) documentation
• Proof of your role, such as:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Operating agreement
  • Letter on company letterhead authorizing you
• Proof of address for the business (old utility bill, bank statement, or other official mail)

Step 4: File Your Unclaimed Property Claim

After you gather your documents, you can usually submit your claim through Connecticut’s official unclaimed property portal or by mail.

A. Filing Online

Most people use the online claim system because it tends to be faster and easier to track.

Typical steps:

1. Select the property record you want to claim from your search results.
2. Choose your claim type (individual, heir, business, etc.).
3. Enter your current contact information, including address and phone number.
4. Answer questions about your connection to the property.
5. Upload clear copies of your required documents (ID, proof of address, etc.).
6. Review and submit your electronic claim form.

Many systems allow you to save or print a confirmation number. This number is important if you need to check the status of your claim with the Treasurer’s Office later.

B. Filing by Mail

If you prefer, or if the system instructs you to, you can typically file by mail:

1. Print the claim form generated from the official online system, or request a form from the unclaimed property office.
2. Fill it out completely, making sure names, addresses, and claim numbers are accurate.
3. Attach photocopies of all required documents (and any notarizations required by the instructions).
4. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form for the Connecticut Unclaimed Property Division.

Some claims, especially higher-value ones or estate claims, may require notarized signatures. The instructions on the official claim form will usually specify this clearly.

Step 5: What Happens After You File?

After you submit your claim:

1. Initial Review
   The Unclaimed Property Division will confirm:

   • Your documents are complete
   • Your identity matches the property record
   • The claim form is properly signed and, if necessary, notarized

2. Follow-Up Requests (If Needed)
   If something is missing or unclear, the office may:

   • Send you a letter
   • Email you (if allowed)
   • Call you using contact information you provided

3. Approval and Payment
   If your claim is approved, you typically receive your money by:

   • Check mailed to your current address, or
   • Occasionally other forms of payment, depending on the property type

   Physical items from safe deposit boxes may be handled differently. Some may be returned directly, while others might have been sold at auction, with the proceeds held for you.

4. Processing Time

Processing time can vary depending on:

• The complexity of the claim (individual vs. estate vs. business)
• The volume of claims the office is handling
• Whether extra research or documentation is needed

In many cases, simple individual claims can be processed within a number of weeks, while more complex estate or business claims may take longer.

To get a current estimate or to check your claim status, contact the Connecticut Unclaimed Property Division using the phone number or contact details listed on the official state treasurer’s website or on your claim confirmation.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid delays:

• Incomplete forms

  • Missing signatures
  • Unanswered questions
  • Wrong or missing claim number

• Insufficient ID or proof of address

  • ID that is expired or unclear
  • Documents that do not match the name or address on the property record

• Name mismatches

  • Spelling differences not explained (e.g., “Johnathan” vs. “Jonathan”)
  • Not providing documentation for name changes (such as a marriage certificate)

• Lack of authority for estate or business claims

  • No proof you’re the executor, administrator, or business officer
  • Missing court documents or letters of administration

• Unclear relationship to the deceased owner

  • Not providing death certificates or proof of relationship when required

If your claim is denied, the state usually provides a reason. You can often:

• Submit additional documentation to correct the issue, or
• Contact the unclaimed property office to ask what steps are needed next.

Can You Appeal a Decision?

Connecticut’s unclaimed property procedures may allow for reviews or reconsideration if you believe your claim was improperly denied.

Typical steps might include:

1. Review the denial notice to understand the specific reason.
2. Gather any missing or stronger documentation that supports your claim.
3. Submit a written request for reconsideration or follow the instructions given in the notice.

The best way to understand your options is to contact the Connecticut Unclaimed Property Division directly and ask about their review or appeal process.

Tips to Make Your Connecticut Claim Go More Smoothly

A few practical suggestions can help:

• Use the exact name shown in the record
  Include middle initials or former last names if they appear in the state’s listing.

• Provide multiple proofs of address if possible
  Especially for older addresses, offering more than one document can help.

• Keep copies of everything you submit
  This includes the claim form, ID, and any other documents.

• Respond quickly if the office contacts you
  Delays in sending additional documents can slow down your claim.

• Check whether notarization is required
  Some claim forms or affidavits must be notarized before the state will accept them.

How to Confirm You’re Using Connecticut’s Official Unclaimed Property Channel

Because unclaimed money is involved, scams sometimes appear. It’s important to verify that you’re using a legitimate, official channel, not a fraudulent site or service.

Here are some ways to protect yourself:

• Look for official state branding and contact information
  The site or office should clearly identify itself as part of the State of Connecticut, often through the Office of the State Treasurer.

• Avoid paying upfront fees just to claim your own property
  The state itself does not charge you to file a standard unclaimed property claim. Third-party “finders” or “locators” may offer services for a fee, but you can usually file on your own at no cost through the official portal.

• Confirm phone numbers and mailing addresses
  Check that the contact information matches what is posted on Connecticut’s main government or treasurer website.

• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages
  If someone calls, emails, or texts you about unclaimed property and asks for sensitive information or payment:

  • Hang up or ignore the message.
  • Contact the Connecticut Unclaimed Property Division directly using a verified number to ask whether they actually contacted you.

If you are unsure whether a website or letter is real, you can call the Treasurer’s Office directly using the number on the official state website and ask them to verify it.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Ownership?

Sometimes, a person may be certain money is theirs but can’t provide enough documentation to satisfy state requirements. In that situation, options can include:

• Looking for older documents

  • Old tax returns or W-2s
  • Archived bank records
  • Old lease agreements or utility bills
  • Employer records related to payroll or benefits

• Contacting former employers or institutions
  They might be able to provide a letter or record that helps connect you to the address or account.

• Asking the Unclaimed Property Division
  They may suggest alternate forms of proof that could be acceptable under Connecticut’s rules.

If you ultimately cannot show adequate proof, the state may not be able to release the funds. However, the property generally stays flagged under the owner’s name, so if you later find better documentation, you can typically try again.

Other Helpful Resources

While HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file claims for you or check your status, you can:

• Contact the Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer – Unclaimed Property Division

  • For questions about documents, claim forms, next steps, or appeal options.

• Dial 211 in Connecticut (Infoline)

  • For general help navigating state services, finding legal aid, or getting referrals to community organizations if you need assistance understanding paperwork.

• Seek legal advice

  • If your situation involves complex estate issues, disputed heirs, or large business claims, an attorney familiar with Connecticut law may help you understand your rights and obligations.

By understanding how the Connecticut unclaimed property process works, gathering the right documents, and filing your claim through official state channels, you can give yourself the best chance of successfully recovering money or property that belongs to you or your family.