Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Delaware: How to Claim What You’re Owed

If you’ve ever paid a utility deposit or had mortgage escrow funds in Delaware, you may be wondering whether any of that money is still sitting unclaimed in your name. It’s more common than people realize for refunds, deposits, or leftover balances to get lost when people move, change banks, or close accounts.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds typically work in Delaware, and how you can try to claim money that may belong to you—using official state channels and company contacts.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, not an official portal, and not part of any claims process. This article is here to help you understand your options so you can follow up with the correct Delaware offices and companies.

Understanding Unclaimed Property in Delaware

In Delaware, unclaimed property is money or financial assets that belong to you but have been inactive or unclaimed for a certain period. Common examples include:

• Utility security deposits (electric, gas, water, internet, etc.)
• Mortgage escrow balances (for taxes, insurance, or overpayments)
• Old bank accounts or refund checks
• Uncashed paychecks or vendor checks

When a business or financial institution in Delaware cannot reach you for a set period (called a dormancy period), it generally must turn that money over to the State of Delaware’s unclaimed property program. The state then holds the funds for the rightful owner or heirs to claim.

You do not lose ownership simply because the funds were turned over to the state, but you may need to go through a formal claim process to get them back.

What Are Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Utility Deposits in Delaware

A utility deposit is money a utility company asks for before starting or continuing service. In Delaware, this might involve:

• Electric or gas service
• Water or sewer service
• Cable, phone, or internet providers

You might have paid a deposit if:

• You were a new customer
• Your credit history was limited or had issues
• There were late payments in the past
• You were reconnecting service after a shutoff

Utility companies often:

• Hold the deposit while service is active
• Apply it to your bill after a certain number of on-time payments, or
• Refund it when you close the account and do not owe a balance

If they cannot reach you with your refund, it may eventually be reported as unclaimed property.

Escrow Funds in Delaware

Escrow funds are commonly used with mortgages. Each month, part of your mortgage payment may go into an escrow account to cover:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Sometimes mortgage insurance or other approved costs

Situations where you may have leftover escrow funds include:

• Paying off your mortgage early
• Refinancing your home
• Selling the property
• Property taxes or insurance costs decreasing
• Overpayments into escrow

If the mortgage company or loan servicer cannot successfully refund you, those funds may be turned over to Delaware’s unclaimed property program.

Who Typically Has Unclaimed Utility Deposits or Escrow Funds?

You may have unclaimed funds in Delaware if you:

• Moved and did not update your mailing address with:
  • Utility companies
  • Your mortgage company
  • Your bank
• Closed a utility account or mortgage loan years ago and:
  • Never received a final bill
  • Never received the deposit refund
  • Ignored or lost a small refund check
• Changed your name (for example, after marriage or divorce) and:
  • Did not update it with all service providers
• Experienced a bank merger or loan transfer where:
  • You were not sure who held your escrow account afterward

Heirs may also discover unclaimed deposits or escrow funds belonging to a deceased relative whose estate was never fully settled.

How Delaware Handles Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds

Although details can change, the general pattern in Delaware usually looks like this:

1. Inactivity or account closure

   • Your utility account or escrow account is closed, or no contact or activity occurs for a specific period.

2. Company attempts to contact you

   • The business often sends letters or emails to your last known address, or tries to call, to return your money.

3. Dormancy period passes

   • After a certain number of years without successful contact or claim, the funds become “dormant” under Delaware unclaimed property law.

4. Funds are turned over to the State of Delaware

   • The company sends the money and basic ownership information (name, last known address, etc.) to the Delaware unclaimed property program.

5. You file a claim with the state

   • To get the money back, you generally must file a claim with the State of Delaware, not with the original company, once the funds are in state custody.

Step-by-Step: How to Search and Claim Unclaimed Funds in Delaware

The actual steps can vary, but this is how the process typically works for Delaware residents and former residents.

1. Gather Basic Information Before You Search

Having details ready can make your search simpler. It helps to have:

• Full legal name (and any previous names)
• Current and past addresses in Delaware
• Approximate dates you had:
  • Utility service (electric, gas, water, internet, etc.)
  • A mortgage or escrow account
• Last four digits of your Social Security number (sometimes helpful for verification)
• For business-related refunds: business name and any old addresses

You can search without every detail, but the more information you have, the easier it is to identify which listings are actually yours.

2. Search Delaware’s Official Unclaimed Property System

Delaware typically offers an official state website where you can:

• Search by your name (or a relative’s name)
• Filter by city or address
• See if there are any utility deposits, escrow funds, or other property listed

To make sure you’re on an official site:

• Look for language such as “State of Delaware” or “Delaware Unclaimed Property”
• Check that the contact information lists a state office
• Be cautious of websites that:
  • Ask for upfront fees
  • Are not clearly government-related

If you are unsure you’re on the right site, you can:

• Call a state information line
• Ask the Delaware Department of Finance or similar state office how to find the official unclaimed property search tool

3. Identify Utility- and Escrow-Related Listings

When you see results under your name, you may find entries labeled in different ways. For unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds, watch for descriptions such as:

• “Utility deposit”
• “Refund”
• “Security deposit”
• “Escrow”
• “Mortgage refund”
• “Overpayment”
• Company names like:
  • Electric, gas, water companies
  • Cable and internet providers
  • Mortgage lenders or loan servicers
  • Banks or credit unions

If you recognize the company or address, that’s a strong sign the property may be yours.

4. Start a Claim Through the Official Delaware Channel

Once you identify property that appears to belong to you, most people are asked to:

1. Select the property you want to claim within the state’s online system or form.
2. Indicate your relationship to the property:
   • Owner
   • Heir or executor
   • Business owner/officer
3. Provide contact information:
   • Current mailing address
   • Phone number
   • Email address (if requested)

In some cases, you may be able to start the claim online and then receive instructions on what documents to mail or upload. In other cases, you may be asked to complete a paper claim form and mail it to the Delaware unclaimed property office.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not process claims and cannot check your claim status. All formal steps take place through the official Delaware state office or portal.

Documents You May Need to Claim Utility Deposits or Escrow Funds

The exact documents required can differ by situation, but typical requests in Delaware include:

For Individuals Claiming Their Own Funds

You may be asked for:

• Valid photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security number, possibly:
  • Social Security card
  • Tax form (with only the permitted digits shown)
• Proof of past address, for example:
  • Old utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Bank statement showing your name and the relevant Delaware address
• Proof of name change (if applicable):
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order

For Utility Deposits Specifically

You may or may not be asked for:

• Old account number (if you still have a bill or final statement)
• Name of the utility provider and service address
• Approximate dates of service

Even if you do not have your old account number, you can often still claim funds using ID and address matches, but it might take longer for the state to confirm.

For Mortgage Escrow Funds Specifically

You may be asked for:

• Mortgage statements or closing papers with:
  • Property address
  • Loan number
  • Mortgage company name
• HUD-1, Closing Disclosure, or similar settlement documents
• Proof that you owned the property during the time the escrow funds were held

For Heirs or Estates

If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has died, Delaware may require:

• Death certificate
• Proof of your legal authority, such as:
  • Letters of administration or testamentary
  • Will naming you executor (if accepted)
  • Small estate affidavit (if allowed and applicable)
• Your own ID and proof of relationship

If anything is unclear, you can usually contact the Delaware unclaimed property office directly to ask what documentation applies in your situation.

What Happens After You File a Claim in Delaware

Once you have submitted your claim and supporting documents through the official Delaware process, the following is typical:

1. Initial review

   • Staff review your claim to ensure the form is complete and ID documents are acceptable.

2. Verification

   • The office checks that your information matches what the original holder (utility company or mortgage company) reported.
   • Sometimes they may reach back out to the company for additional confirmation.

3. Requests for more information

   • If anything is missing or unclear, you may receive a letter, email, or online message asking for:
     • Additional documentation
     • Clarification about your connection to the address or account

4. Decision

   • Once everything is verified, the state decides whether to approve or deny the claim.

5. Payment

   • If approved, payment is typically made by:
     • Check mailed to the address you provided, or
     • Another method specified in the state’s process
   • Processing times vary; it can take a few weeks or longer depending on volume and complexity.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

People sometimes run into problems because of:

• Incomplete forms
  • Missing signatures
  • Sections not filled out
• Unclear identification
  • Name on the claim does not match the name on the property listing
  • No proof of former name or married name
• Lack of proof of address
  • Inability to connect you to the address where the property was held
• Insufficient proof of ownership
  • For escrow funds, no documentation tying you to the mortgage or property
• Estate issues
  • Claim filed by a family member who does not have legal authority to claim on behalf of a deceased relative

If your claim is denied, the notice may:

• Explain the specific reason, and
• Sometimes outline what you can do if you have additional documentation or believe there was a mistake.

In some cases, you may be able to resubmit a claim with better documentation or discuss the issue with the Delaware unclaimed property office for clarification.

How to Check Claim Status or Ask Questions

To track your claim or get help with a question, you can contact the official Delaware unclaimed property office. Typical options include:

• Online claim status tool (if offered on the official site)
• Phone number for the state’s unclaimed property division
• Mailing address or email for questions and document submissions

When contacting them, have ready:

• Your claim number (if you received one)
• Your full name
• Basic details about the property (company name, type of claim, approximate amount if known)

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot see or update your claim. All status updates come directly from the Delaware state office handling unclaimed property.

If You Don’t Find Anything in Delaware’s Unclaimed Property Search

It is possible you:

• Never had a deposit or escrow refund
• Already received your refund without realizing it (for example, applied to a final bill)
• Have unclaimed funds held in another state (for example, where you lived before or after Delaware)

Steps you can take:

1. Double-check spelling and variations of your name

   • Try:
     • Full name with middle initial
     • Maiden or former names
     • Common nicknames (if they may have been used on accounts)

2. Search for past addresses

   • Some systems let you filter by city or address to narrow results.

3. Search in other states

   • If you had utility service or a mortgage in another state, you may want to look for that state’s official unclaimed property program.

4. Contact your old utility or mortgage company directly

   • Ask whether:
     • A refund was ever issued
     • Your deposit was applied to a final bill
     • Any remaining balance was turned over to a state unclaimed property program (and which state)

Directly Requesting a Refund From a Utility or Mortgage Company

Sometimes, if the funds are still held by the company and have not yet been turned over to the state, you may be able to obtain them directly.

For Utility Deposits

You can:

1. Call the utility company’s customer service
   • Ask if they show a credit balance or unused deposit for your closed account.
2. Provide:
   • Your name
   • Service address
   • Dates of service (approximate)
   • Any old account number, if available
3. Follow their internal process, which might include:
   • Confirming your identity
   • Mailing a refund check
   • Applying credit to another account (if you still use their service)

For Escrow Funds

For mortgages and escrow:

1. Contact the current or former loan servicer:
   • The company you sent mortgage payments to.
2. Ask whether:
   • An escrow refund was issued
   • A check was returned or never cashed
   • Funds were sent to the State of Delaware or another state’s unclaimed property office.

If the company confirms that they already turned the funds over to the State of Delaware, you would generally need to complete the state’s unclaimed property claim process instead of expecting a direct refund from the lender.

Typical Timelines and What to Expect

Timelines can vary based on workload, claim complexity, and how quickly you provide documents. Generally:

• Searching online – often only a few minutes
• Submitting a basic claim – usually less than an hour if documents are handy
• Processing by the state – may range from a few weeks to a few months:
  • Simple, small claims with clear documentation often move faster
  • Larger or estate-related claims may take longer due to more extensive verification

If it has been a long time and you have not heard anything:

• Check your online status, if available
• Contact the Delaware unclaimed property office with your claim number

Scam-Prevention Tips When Claiming Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds

Unclaimed property can attract scammers pretending to “help” for a fee. To protect yourself:

• Verify you’re on an official Delaware website
  • Look for clear state branding and contact information for a state agency or department.
• Be cautious of:
  • Unsolicited calls or emails claiming you have money waiting
  • Requests for upfront payment or a percentage of your claim
• Understand that:
  • Many people are able to search and file claims for free directly through the state.
• If a third-party “finder” or “locator” contacts you:
  • You can ask them to provide the exact government office holding the funds
  • You can then contact that office yourself to see whether it’s necessary to pay for assistance
• Never share:
  • Full Social Security number or bank account information unless you are certain you are dealing with an official government office and understand why it is required.

If anything feels suspicious, you can contact:

• Delaware’s consumer protection office
• A state attorney general’s office
• A trusted local legal aid or consumer advocacy organization

for guidance before signing any contract or sending money.

Other Resources If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Locate Funds

If your search does not turn up any unclaimed property, or if the amount is smaller than expected, you may still have options for help with utilities or housing costs going forward. In Delaware, you can look into:

• Utility assistance programs
  • Call 211 to ask about local programs that help with electric, gas, or water bills.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Typically administered by a state or county agency to help with heating and cooling costs.
• Housing counseling agencies
  • Some nonprofit or HUD-approved agencies in Delaware help homeowners understand escrow, refinancing, and foreclosure prevention.
• Local community action agencies or nonprofits
  • They may know about emergency assistance funds, rental help, or bill-pay support.

These resources are separate from unclaimed property. Each program has its own rules, eligibility, and application steps, usually handled by official local or state offices or recognized nonprofits.

Quick Reference: Who to Contact and What You’ll Need

Below is a simple overview to help you decide where to start.

Use this table as a starting point, then rely on the official Delaware unclaimed property office and the original utility or mortgage company for final instructions.

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are handled in Delaware, you can take practical, focused steps through official channels to see if any money is owed to you or your family. The key is to search the state system, gather clear documentation, respond promptly to any requests for more information, and stay alert to possible scams while you work directly with the authorized state office that manages unclaimed property.