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

Many people are surprised to learn that they may have unclaimed money or assets held by the State of Delaware—often from old bank accounts, paychecks, refunds, or stock. This guide walks you through how unclaimed property typically works in Delaware and how you can search, verify, and file a claim through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency and does not process claims. The steps below are meant to help you understand how to use Delaware’s official unclaimed property system on your own.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Delaware?

Unclaimed property (also called unclaimed assets) generally refers to money or valuables that:

• Belonged to you or your business,
• Were held by a company, bank, or other organization, and
• Were not accessed or claimed for a certain period of time.

When that happens, Delaware law usually requires the business to turn the property over to the State of Delaware to safeguard it until the rightful owner claims it.

Common Types of Unclaimed Assets

People in Delaware typically find:

• Uncashed paychecks or commission checks
• Old bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Insurance benefits or claim payments
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual fund distributions
• Credit balances from credit cards or store accounts
• Vendor or customer refunds for businesses
• Safe deposit box contents (jewelry, documents, etc.)

If your name, former address, or business appears in the state’s records, you may be able to claim these assets for free through official channels.

Who Can Search for Unclaimed Property in Delaware?

In most cases, anyone can run a search on the official Delaware unclaimed property system. You do not have to live in Delaware now.

People typically search if they are:

• Current or former Delaware residents
• People who worked for a Delaware-based employer
• Business owners with operations, customers, or vendors connected to Delaware
• Heirs or estate representatives of someone who lived or did business in Delaware
• People who used a Delaware mailing address for financial accounts or policies

You can also search on behalf of:

• A deceased relative,
• A minor child, or
• A business entity you own or represent,

as long as you can provide the required proof of your authority and their connection to the property.

Step 1: Prepare Basic Information Before You Search

You can usually search without any documents in hand, but gathering a few details ahead of time makes it easier to recognize legitimate results and complete a claim.

Consider collecting:

• Full legal name(s)

  • Current name
  • Prior names (maiden name, previous married names, legal name changes)
  • Common misspellings or variations (e.g., Jon/John, Liz/Elizabeth)

• Previous addresses in or related to Delaware

  • Past home addresses
  • College or temporary addresses
  • Business locations you owned or managed

• Business information (if searching for a company)

  • Exact legal business name
  • Former business names or “doing business as” (DBA) names
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN), if available

You do not usually need to enter sensitive numbers (like full SSNs) just to run a search, but you may be asked to provide them later to prove ownership during the claim process.

Step 2: Go to the Official Delaware Unclaimed Property Search

To stay safe and avoid scams, it is important to use Delaware’s official resources.

When you are ready to search:

1. Use your browser to search for something like:
   “Delaware unclaimed property official site” or “Delaware State Escheator unclaimed property”.
2. Look for a website that clearly identifies itself as a State of Delaware site.
   • It typically includes “.delaware.gov” or another state-managed domain.
   • The page usually mentions the Delaware Office of Unclaimed Property or State Escheator.
3. You should see an option labeled similar to “Search for Unclaimed Property” or “Search Claims”.

⚠️ Important: HowToGetAssistance.org cannot verify or operate the official search for you. Always confirm that you are on an official state website before entering personal information.

Step 3: Run Your Unclaimed Property Search

Once you are on the official Delaware search page, you can typically search by:

• Last name and first name (individual search)
• Business name (for companies or organizations)

You may also have the option to narrow by:

• City
• Address
• Property type (in some systems)

How to Search Effectively

Try the following:

1. Search your full legal name
   • Example: “Michael Johnson”
2. Search shortened or nickname versions
   • Example: “Mike Johnson” or “M. Johnson”
3. Search prior names
   • Example: maiden name or prior married surname
4. Search old address locations
   • Some systems show last known address; compare it to places you’ve lived.
5. Search for your business
   • Use both the full legal name and any DBAs.

You should see a list of possible matches with details such as:

• Owner name (person or business)
• Last known address
• Property ID or reference number
• Type of property (for example, wages, bank account, insurance)
• Approximate value range (sometimes)

If you recognize yourself or your business in any listing, you can proceed to the claim process.

Step 4: Review Your Results and Pick Claims to File

Look carefully at each result:

• Name match – Same or very similar spelling?
• Address match – A place you lived, worked, or held a mailbox?
• Business match – Does the business name or EIN match your records?
• Property type – Does it make sense given your history (wages, refunds, accounts, etc.)?

If multiple entries look like they might belong to you, you can usually select all that apply and submit claims for each.

If you see a match for a deceased family member, you may still have options to claim as:

• An heir (spouse, child, etc.)
• The executor or administrator of their estate

In those cases, be prepared for extra documentation (see below).

Step 5: Start a Claim Through the Official Delaware Portal

On the state’s unclaimed property website, you will usually see a button or link like “File a Claim” or “Claim This Property” next to each result.

The online process often looks like this:

1. Select the property you believe is yours.
2. Confirm your relationship to the name/address (owner, heir, business representative).
3. Provide contact information, such as:
   • Current mailing address
   • Phone number
   • Email address
4. The system typically gives you a claim number and a list of required documents.

Some people may be asked to:

• Upload documents directly, or
• Print a claim form, sign it, and mail it with supporting documents to the Delaware Office of Unclaimed Property.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or relay claim forms. All claims must go through Delaware’s official unclaimed property office or portal.

Step 6: Documents Commonly Required for Delaware Unclaimed Property Claims

Exact requirements can vary by type of claim (individual vs. business vs. heir) and by the amount or kind of property.

Here is a general idea of what you may be asked to provide:

For Individual Owners (Claiming for Yourself)

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport

• Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)

  • SSN card
  • Tax document (such as a W‑2)
  • Pay stub with full or partial SSN

• Proof of your connection to the address or company listed

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Old pay stub
  • Official mail addressed to you at that location

For Heirs or Estate Representatives

If the property belonged to a deceased person, typical documentation may include:

• All documents listed above for your own identity, plus:
• Death certificate of the original owner
• Legal proof of your authority, such as:
  • Letters testamentary or letters of administration
  • Small estate affidavit (if applicable under state rules)
  • Will, court order, or other probate documents
• Proof of relationship (where required)
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Other legal documents showing your connection

For Businesses

If claiming property for a business or organization, you may need:

• Proof of your identity (ID, SSN)
• Proof of your authority to act for the business:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter of authorization on company letterhead
  • Business card and ID (depending on state rules)
• Business documents:
  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Partnership agreement
  • EIN confirmation
  • Old tax returns or financial statements tied to the claim

Quick Reference: Common Claim Types & Typical Documents

*Exact document requirements are set by the Delaware Office of Unclaimed Property and may vary by case.

Step 7: Submit Required Documents to the State

Follow the instructions provided with your claim number. Depending on how Delaware is handling claims at the time you apply, you may be asked to:

• Upload clear scans or photos of documents through the online portal,
• Mail photocopies (and sometimes originals) to a specified state office address, or
• Fax documents, if that option is given.

Tips to avoid delays:

• Make sure names match across documents (if not, include proof of name change).
• Ensure all IDs are valid and not expired, unless specifically allowed.
• Provide complete documents, not just partial pages.
• Write your claim number on mailed documents, if instructed.

If you have questions, you can typically contact the Delaware Office of Unclaimed Property or the State Escheator’s office using the phone number or email listed on the official site.

Step 8: Track Your Claim Status

After you submit your claim and documents, Delaware’s unclaimed property staff will review your information and decide whether it:

• Matches their records, and
• Meets the legal requirements for payment.

You can usually track your claim by:

• Entering your claim number and sometimes your last name or email address into the official claim status page, or
• Calling the Delaware unclaimed property office and providing your claim number.

Processing times vary based on:

• Volume of claims,
• Complexity (for example, estate and business claims may take longer), and
• Whether all required documents were correctly submitted.

What Happens If Your Claim Is Approved?

If your claim is approved, the State of Delaware will typically:

• Issue a check payable to you, your business, or the estate, or
• In some cases, work with you on releasing securities (stocks, etc.), depending on how they handle that type of property.

The details of how and when you receive payment are set by Delaware’s unclaimed property office. Many people receive a paper check mailed to the address they provided.

Common Reasons Delaware Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding frequent issues can help you avoid problems:

• Missing documents

  • Required ID, proof of address, or estate documents not provided.

• Name mismatch

  • Your current name does not match the name on the property, and no proof of name change is submitted.

• Insufficient proof of authority

  • For business claims, the person filing cannot show they are authorized.
  • For estate claims, there is no court appointment or legally accepted proof.

• Unclear connection to the address or account

  • State staff cannot confirm that you are the same person or business named in the record.

If your claim is delayed, you may receive a request for more information. If it is denied, the state should usually provide a reason and may explain what can be done next, if anything.

Can You Appeal a Denied Delaware Unclaimed Property Claim?

Delaware’s process for challenging a decision can vary depending on the situation. In general:

• If your claim is denied due to missing or incomplete documents, you may be able to resubmit a new claim with the correct documentation.
• For more complex disputes (for example, questions about legal ownership), you may need to:
  • Contact the Delaware Office of Unclaimed Property directly,
  • Provide additional legal documents, or
  • Speak with a qualified legal professional for advice.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not represent individuals in appeals or disputes and cannot give legal advice. For official guidance, contact the state unclaimed property office or consult an attorney if you need legal interpretation.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Property in Delaware?

In many states, unclaimed property does not expire, meaning the state holds it indefinitely for the rightful owner or heirs. Delaware commonly treats many forms of unclaimed property this way, but there can be exceptions, especially with:

• Safe deposit box contents (which might eventually be auctioned, with proceeds held), or
• Very old or special‑case property types.

If you have questions about time limits or special situations, it can help to:

• Review the information on the official Delaware unclaimed property website, or
• Contact the State Escheator’s office directly.

Protecting Yourself: Avoiding Unclaimed Property Scams

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

Watch for Red Flags

Be cautious of:

• Companies that demand upfront fees to “get your money”
• Emails, texts, or calls claiming you have “huge unclaimed funds” but:
  • Don’t clearly identify a state agency, or
  • Ask for bank account numbers, full SSNs, or payment before giving details
• Messages from addresses or phone numbers that do not match the official Delaware government contact information

Ways to Verify You Are Using an Official Channel

• Look for clear references to the State of Delaware and the Office of Unclaimed Property or State Escheator.
• Check that the website domain is owned by the state government (such as “.delaware.gov” or other clearly official domains).
• If unsure, you can:
  • Call the main Delaware government information line and ask to be connected to the unclaimed property office, or
  • Ask the supposed agency representative to provide an official main office number you can call back.

It is usually not necessary to pay a third party to file a claim. In many cases, individuals can file claims directly with the state for free.

What If You Do Not Find Any Unclaimed Property?

It is common for a search to show no results, especially if:

• You have always kept your contact information up to date with banks and employers, or
• You have not moved frequently, changed names, or closed many accounts.

Still, many people choose to:

• Recheck periodically, especially:
  • After moving,
  • After a marriage or name change,
  • After a relative passes away, or
  • After closing long‑held accounts or policies.

You may also consider searching other states where you:

• Lived before,
• Went to school,
• Worked for a company headquartered there, or
• Held bank accounts or insurance policies.

Each state runs its own official unclaimed property program, so you would need to visit each state’s official website individually.

Other Resources That May Help

While HowToGetAssistance.org cannot submit claims or check your status, you might find it helpful to:

• Call Delaware’s unclaimed property office or State Escheator’s office for specific questions about required documents, claim status, or unusual situations.
• Contact 211 (where available) for general referrals to legal aid, financial counseling, or other local support if your situation is complex.
• Consult a legal professional if your claim involves large amounts, complicated estates, or business ownership questions.

By using Delaware’s official unclaimed property search, gathering the right documents, and responding promptly to any follow‑up requests, many people are able to successfully recover forgotten or abandoned assets held in their name or in the name of a loved one.