Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Delaware: How They Happen and How to Claim What You’re Owed

Unclaimed bank accounts in Delaware can quietly sit for years without the owner realizing it. If you have ever moved, changed banks, or lost track of an old savings account, it is possible that money belonging to you has been turned over to the State of Delaware’s unclaimed property program.

This guide explains in plain language how bank accounts become “unclaimed” in Delaware, how to search for your money, and what to expect when you file a claim through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent, informational site and is not a government agency, application portal, or claims processor, but this overview can help you understand the typical steps.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Delaware?

In Delaware, unclaimed property generally refers to money or financial assets that have had no activity or contact with the owner for a certain period of time. For bank accounts, this usually means:

• No deposits, withdrawals, or contact with the bank
• The bank cannot reach you at your last known address
• The required “dormancy period” has passed

When that happens, the bank is usually required to turn the money over to the State of Delaware, which then holds it in trust for the rightful owner (or heirs).

Common types of unclaimed bank-related property include:

• Checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Money market accounts
• Cashier’s checks or official bank checks
• Safe deposit box contents (after a separate process)

The goal of the state’s unclaimed property system is not to take your money, but to centralize it so you (or your heirs) can find and claim it at any time, as long as you can prove ownership.

How Bank Accounts Become “Unclaimed” in Delaware

Typical Dormancy Periods

For most deposit accounts, an account is considered dormant (inactive) when there has been no owner activity for a specified number of years. Exact timelines can change, so you should always confirm details with:

• Your bank or financial institution, and
• The Delaware unclaimed property office (often part of the state Department of Finance or similar agency)

Generally, dormancy can occur after three to five years of no activity, but this can vary by account type and by changes in the law over time.

What Counts as “Activity”?

“Activity” usually includes:

• Making a deposit or withdrawal
• Sending a secure message or written communication to the bank
• Logging into an online banking account (depending on the bank’s policy)
• Updating your address directly with the bank
• Responding to the bank’s notices about inactivity

Simply earning interest may not count as account activity.

If you stop using an old account and don’t update your contact details, the bank may mark your account as dormant.

Notices Before Property Is Turned Over

Before sending funds to the state, banks typically:

1. Attempt to contact you at the last address, email, or phone they have on file
2. May send dormancy or escheatment notices warning that the account will be turned over to the state if no action is taken
3. After the dormancy period and required notices, transfer the funds to Delaware’s unclaimed property program

If mail is returned as undeliverable or you simply do not respond, the bank may still be required to turn the funds over.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Delaware?

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

• The original account holder (individual or business)
• A heir or beneficiary of a deceased account holder
• A legal representative, such as
  • Executor or administrator of an estate
  • Court-appointed guardian or conservator
  • Attorney or other authorized agent with proper documentation

To succeed, you will need to provide evidence that you are the owner or have legal authority to claim on behalf of the owner.

How to Search for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Delaware

Step 1: Start with Delaware’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

Delaware typically maintains an official unclaimed property search website run by a state agency (often the Department of Finance or Office of Unclaimed Property). This is usually the main place to look up unclaimed bank accounts.

You can usually search by:

• Your first and last name
• Business name, if applicable
• Sometimes previous names or aliases

Look for an official site that:

• Clearly identifies a State of Delaware agency
• Uses “.gov” in its web address
• Provides state contact information (such as an official phone number or mailing address)

If you are unsure of the correct site, you can:

• Call Delaware’s main state information line
• Ask to be connected to the unclaimed property office
• Confirm the exact website address with a state employee

Step 2: Search Under All Possible Names

To be thorough:

• Search under maiden names or former last names
• Search using middle initial and without it
• Check business names, if you owned a company
• Try common misspellings of your name

If you have moved in and out of Delaware, you might also consider searching unclaimed property sites for other states where you have lived, in case accounts were held or reported elsewhere.

How to Claim Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Delaware

Once you find an account that appears to be yours, the next step is to file a claim through Delaware’s official process. You cannot claim money through HowToGetAssistance.org; we only explain typical procedures.

Typical Claim Steps

While the details can change, the general process usually looks like this:

1. Select the property

   • On the official Delaware unclaimed property search site, you usually click or check the box for each account or item that appears to belong to you.

2. Start a claim

   • You will typically click a button such as “Claim” or “File Claim” and follow the prompts to create an account or provide contact information.

3. Provide basic information

   • Name, current address, phone number, and sometimes your Social Security number or Tax ID (especially for verification).

4. Submit documentation

   • You must usually upload, mail, or fax documents to prove your identity and link yourself to the reported address or account.

5. Wait for review

   • The state reviews your claim and may request additional information if something is missing or unclear.

6. Receive payment (if approved)

   • Payment may be issued by check or sometimes direct deposit, depending on state policy.

Documents You May Need for a Delaware Unclaimed Bank Account Claim

The exact list depends on whether you are claiming as the owner, a heir, or a representative, and the type of property. However, common documents include:

For Individual Owners

• Government-issued photo ID, such as:

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport

• Proof of current address, for example:

  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement

• Proof you lived or received mail at the address shown on the unclaimed account, such as:

  • Old utility bill
  • Tax document
  • Pay stub
  • Old bank statement

• Social Security number or Tax ID

  • Sometimes requested for verification and tax reporting.

For Deceased Owners (Heirs or Estates)

You may need:

• Death certificate of the original owner

• Legal documents showing your authority, such as:

  • Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
  • Small estate affidavit (if applicable under Delaware law)
  • Will and court documents appointing you as executor

• Your photo ID and proof of address

• Any additional documents requested by the unclaimed property office to show the relationship between you and the deceased.

For Businesses

• Business formation documents, such as:

  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Partnership agreement

• Tax ID (EIN)

• Proof of authority, such as:

  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on company letterhead
  • Identification for the person submitting the claim

Always review the specific instructions on Delaware’s official unclaimed property site or call the state office to confirm which documents they require for your situation.

Quick Reference: Common Claim Situations and Typical Documents

*Exact requirements depend on Delaware’s rules and can change. Always check current guidance from the official Delaware office.

How Long Does a Delaware Unclaimed Property Claim Take?

Processing times can vary depending on:

• How complete your documents are
• The volume of claims being processed
• Whether the claim is simple (individual) or complex (estate or business)

Many people find that straightforward claims, with all documents submitted correctly, may be processed within a few weeks to a few months. More complex claims or those missing paperwork can take longer.

You can usually:

• Check your claim status through the official Delaware unclaimed property website or
• Call the state unclaimed property office using the phone number listed on the official site.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems:

• Missing or unreadable documents

  • For example, sending a blurry ID or incomplete pages.
  • Solution: Send clear, complete copies and follow all instructions.

• Names that don’t match

  • The property is listed under a maiden name, nickname, or different spelling.
  • Solution: Provide documents linking both names (e.g., marriage license, court name-change order).

• Address mismatch

  • You cannot show proof that you once lived at or received mail at the reported address.
  • Solution: Look for old bills, tax forms, W-2s, or bank statements that show you at that address.

• Unclear legal authority (for heirs, estates, or businesses)

  • Estate paperwork is missing, expired, or not recognized.
  • Solution: Contact probate court or a legal professional to obtain or update documents, then resubmit.

If your claim is denied, Delaware’s unclaimed property office usually explains the reason. You can:

• Ask the office what additional documents might fix the issue
• Refile with correct documentation
• In some cases, seek legal advice if the matter is complex

How to Tell If You’re Using an Official Delaware Channel (Scam Avoidance Tips)

Unfortunately, scams sometimes target people who are trying to claim unclaimed property. To protect yourself:

Signs You’re on an Official Delaware Site or Talking to an Official Office

• The website address usually ends in “.gov”
• The page clearly identifies a State of Delaware department or office
• There is an official state mailing address and phone number listed
• When you call, the person clearly identifies as working for a state agency, not a private company

Red Flags for Possible Scams

Be cautious if:

• Someone contacts you claiming you have unclaimed money and demands an upfront fee larger than a small service charge
• You are pressured to act immediately or risk losing the money
• You are told to send gift cards, wire money, or share full bank login information
• The website looks unprofessional, has odd spelling errors, or does not clearly list a state agency name and office address
• The web address is similar to, but not exactly, a government address (for example, not ending in “.gov”)

If You Want Help but Are Unsure Who to Trust

Some people choose to hire private “finder” or “locator” services that help search for and claim property for a fee. These services are usually not necessary, because:

• You can typically search and file a claim yourself for free on the official Delaware site.

If you ever decide to use a service:

• Read the contract carefully,
• Check whether they are registered or licensed if required, and
• Never sign anything you do not fully understand.

You can always confirm information directly by calling the Delaware unclaimed property office before paying any third party.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Delaware?

It is possible to have unclaimed accounts in other states or through federal programs even if nothing shows up under Delaware.

If you do not find anything:

• Think about other states where you have lived, worked, or held bank accounts
• Consider former employers that may have left retirement accounts or paychecks unclaimed
• Look into federal sources, such as:
  • Unclaimed tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • Forgotten savings bonds or other federal holdings

Each program or state usually has its own official search tools and claim procedures.

Tips to Prevent Future Bank Accounts from Becoming Unclaimed

Once you claim funds, you may want to avoid having accounts go unclaimed again.

Helpful habits include:

• Keep contact information up to date

  • Whenever you move or change phone numbers or email addresses, update your bank and other financial institutions.

• Use each account periodically

  • Make a small deposit, withdrawal, or online login at least once within the bank’s defined activity period.

• Consolidate old accounts

  • If you no longer actively use an account, consider closing it or transferring funds to an account you manage regularly.

• Keep personal records

  • Maintain a secure list of banks, account numbers, and locations of safe deposit boxes.

• Include accounts in your estate planning

  • Clearly list accounts and beneficiaries in your will or estate documents so heirs can locate them if needed.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Unclaimed bank accounts in Delaware typically occur when accounts go dormant and the bank cannot reach the owner.
• The funds are usually transferred to the State of Delaware’s unclaimed property program, where they can still be claimed by the rightful owner or heirs.
• You can search for unclaimed accounts through Delaware’s official unclaimed property website and file a free claim directly with the state, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Be prepared to provide proof of identity, address history, and legal authority if claiming for someone else or for a business.
• If in doubt, contact the Delaware unclaimed property office by phone or mail, verify you are using an official “.gov” channel, and ask what documents you need for your situation.

By understanding how unclaimed bank accounts work in Delaware and following the state’s official steps, you can give yourself the best chance of recovering money that rightfully belongs to you or your family.