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

If you’ve ever wondered whether the State of Georgia might be holding money that belongs to you, you are not alone. Many people lose track of old bank accounts, refund checks, insurance payouts, utility deposits, or paychecks, and those funds can eventually become unclaimed property held by the state.

This guide explains, in plain language, how to search for and file an unclaimed assets claim in Georgia, what to expect, and how to avoid common mistakes and scams.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office, claims processor, or application portal. This guide is simply here to help you understand the typical process so you can move forward through Georgia’s official unclaimed property channels.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Georgia?

In Georgia, unclaimed property (also called unclaimed money or unclaimed assets) usually refers to financial assets that have had no activity or contact with the owner for a certain period of time. After that time, businesses are generally required to turn the money over to the state.

Typical examples include:

• Bank accounts that were forgotten or abandoned
• Uncashed paychecks or commission checks
• Refund checks from utilities, cable, or phone providers
• Insurance proceeds and policy benefits
• Security deposits (rental, utility, etc.)
• Stock dividends or other investment-related funds
• Safe deposit box contents (may be handled slightly differently than cash)

Unclaimed property is not usually real estate or vehicles. Those types of property are usually handled through different processes, such as tax sales or probate.

In Georgia, unclaimed property is typically overseen by the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Unclaimed Property Program (sometimes called the unclaimed property unit, division, or office).

Who Can File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Georgia?

You may be able to file a claim if:

• You are the owner listed on the unclaimed property record
• You are a co-owner of the account or asset
• You are a legal heir or beneficiary of someone who has passed away
• You are a business owner or the authorized representative of a business listed as the owner
• You are a guardian, conservator, or legal representative for someone else, with proper documentation

Common situations where people qualify

• You moved and forgot to update your address, so a refund check or notice never reached you.
• You changed jobs and never cashed an old paycheck.
• A relative died, and the family never received all their life insurance or bank funds.
• Your small business closed or changed addresses and missed a refund or payment.

If you see your name (or a deceased relative’s name) on Georgia’s official unclaimed property search, you typically have the right to file a claim, but you will need to prove your identity and your connection to the property.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Georgia

The first step is to search the official Georgia unclaimed property database.

You can usually:

• Search online through Georgia’s official unclaimed property portal (usually accessed through the Georgia Department of Revenue or the state’s main website)
• Search by:
  • Last name and first name
  • Business name (if you’re checking for a company)
  • Sometimes by city or ZIP code to narrow results

Tips for searching:

• Try different versions of your name (with and without middle initial, maiden name, previous married name, etc.).
• Search for previous addresses if the system allows location filters.
• Check for close relatives who have passed away, in case you might be an heir.

If you find a record that looks like it belongs to you, the system will usually allow you to start a claim by clicking a button like “Claim,” “File a Claim,” or “Select.”

If you cannot access the internet or have trouble navigating the online search:

• Call the Georgia unclaimed property office using the phone number listed on the Georgia Department of Revenue’s official site and ask about alternative search or claim options (such as mail-in forms).

Step 2: Confirm You’re the Rightful Owner

Before you file, check:

• Name: Is the spelling close enough to match you (or your business)?
• Address: Do you recognize the listed address or city?
• Company holding the money: Does the business name (e.g., bank, employer, insurer) sound familiar?
• Amount: Some states show amounts; others show a range like “under $100” or “over $100.”

If the property looks like it’s yours, move forward. If you’re not sure, you can usually still submit a claim and provide explanation or documentation to show your connection.

For heirs, look for:

• The deceased person’s name
• An address you know they lived at
• Any familiar company or bank names

Step 3: Start the Claim Through Georgia’s Official Channel

Once you’ve identified the property:

1. Select the property in the online system.
2. Indicate your relationship to the property:
   • Owner
   • Heir/beneficiary
   • Business representative
   • Executor/administrator of an estate, etc.
3. Provide contact information, such as:
   • Current mailing address
   • Phone number
   • Email address

The system often:

• Generates a claim form that you either:
  • Complete fully online, or
  • Print, sign, and mail with supporting documents
• Assigns a claim number – write this down or save a copy of the confirmation

If you are not comfortable using the online system, you can usually:

• Call the Georgia unclaimed property office and request that they mail or fax a claim form to you, or explain the process for filing by mail.

Step 4: Gather the Required Documents

Georgia’s unclaimed property office typically requires documents to prove your identity and ownership. Exact requirements depend on your role (owner, heir, business, estate, etc.) and the type and size of the claim.

Here’s a typical breakdown:

*These lists are for general guidance. The Georgia unclaimed property office may ask for more, fewer, or different documents, depending on the claim.

Key details:

• Name mismatches: If your name has changed (e.g., marriage, divorce), you may need a marriage certificate or court order to connect the old and new names.
• Old addresses: Old bills, leases, or tax documents can help prove that you lived at the address connected to the unclaimed property.
• Large claims: Higher-value claims may require notarized forms or additional identity verification.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim (Online or by Mail)

Once your documents are ready, you’ll typically:

If submitting online

• Upload scanned or clear photos of required documents through the official Georgia unclaimed property website.
• Make sure:
  • All pages are visible
  • Names, dates, and addresses are readable
• Keep copies for your records.

If submitting by mail

• Print the official claim form generated by the system or sent by the unclaimed property office.
• Fill it out completely, sign, and date it.
• Attach photocopies (not originals) of your supporting documents, unless the instructions specifically require originals.
• Mail everything to the official mailing address of the Georgia unclaimed property program, as listed on the claim form or the Georgia Department of Revenue’s website.

Many people choose to send claims by certified mail or another trackable method so they have proof of delivery, especially for larger amounts.

Step 6: Track Your Claim and What Happens Next

After your claim is submitted, the Georgia unclaimed property office will typically:

1. Review your paperwork to verify:
   • Your identity
   • Your connection to the account or deceased owner
   • Any estate or business authority
2. Contact you if anything is missing or unclear.
3. Approve or deny the claim and issue payment if approved.

Timelines

Processing times can vary based on:

• The number of claims the office is handling
• How complex your claim is (for example, an estate with multiple heirs vs. a simple paycheck)
• Whether any documents are missing or unclear

Many claims may take several weeks to a few months from the time all documents are received. For more specific timing:

• Check the “claim status” feature on the official website, if available.
• Call the Georgia unclaimed property program’s office and provide your claim number.

If your claim is approved, the state usually sends:

• A check to your mailing address, or
• Another form of payment as indicated in the claim instructions

Common Reasons Georgia Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid them:

• Incomplete claim form – Missing signatures, unchecked boxes, or skipped sections.
• Missing proof of identity – No photo ID or unclear/expired ID.
• Insufficient proof of address – No document tying you (or the business) to the address on the account.
• Name mismatches – Different last names, spelling differences, or nicknames without documentation showing the connection.
• Heir claims without estate documents – No death certificate, no will, or no probate letters when required.
• Unclear relationship to the deceased – No birth, marriage, or other records showing how you are related.
• Incorrect or incomplete supporting documents – For example, sending only page 2 of a multi-page court order.

If your claim is denied, the notice usually explains why. In many cases, you can:

• Correct the issue (for example, provide additional documents) and
• Resubmit a new or updated claim, following the instructions from the Georgia unclaimed property office.

If the reason is unclear, you can call the unclaimed property office and ask for more detail about what is needed.

How Appeals or Reconsiderations Usually Work

Georgia’s exact appeal or reconsideration process may change over time and can depend on the nature of the claim. Generally:

• If the state denies a claim because of missing or inadequate documentation, you may be able to send additional documents and have the claim re-evaluated.
• For more complicated disputes—such as conflicts between multiple potential heirs or questions about legal authority—probate court or legal counsel may be involved.

If you receive a denial and believe it was in error:

1. Read the denial letter carefully to understand the stated reason.
2. Gather any additional documents that address the concerns.
3. Contact the Georgia unclaimed property office for instructions on:
   • Whether to submit a new claim
   • Whether to send an appeal or reconsideration request
   • Any deadlines that apply

For legal questions or disputes among heirs, it may be useful to speak with a Georgia-licensed attorney familiar with probate or estate matters.

What if You Don’t Qualify as Owner or Heir?

If you are not the person named on the unclaimed property and you cannot show a legal relationship, the state generally will not release funds to you.

Possible alternatives or next steps:

• Talk with other family members – In some situations, another relative may be the correct heir or may already be handling the estate.
• Check probate court records – If a will was filed, the executor or administrator may be the right person to file the claim.
• Contact the unclaimed property office – They can explain who is eligible to claim funds for a deceased individual and what documents are needed.

If you simply suspect you had unclaimed property but no match appears in the Georgia system:

• Double-check your spelling and search options.
• Try old names, prior addresses, and former businesses if applicable.
• Confirm that the property would have been reported to Georgia (for example, if the company or your last known address was in another state, you may need to search that state’s unclaimed property site instead).

How to Avoid Scams and Make Sure You’re on an Official Georgia Site

Unclaimed property is a target for scams. To protect yourself:

Signs you are using official Georgia channels

• The website clearly identifies itself as part of the State of Georgia or the Georgia Department of Revenue.
• The site does not charge you a fee just to search for unclaimed property.
• Payment is issued by the State of Georgia or an official state treasury/unclaimed property account, not by a private company.
• Contact phone numbers and addresses match those listed on the Georgia Department of Revenue’s main website or other official state sources.

Red flags to watch for

• A company asks you to pay upfront to search for unclaimed money that may or may not exist.
• You receive unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming you are “guaranteed” money if you pay a fee or share sensitive personal information.
• The caller or email sender refuses to provide details about the claim number, the agency, or how to verify them.
• You are pressured to act immediately or risk losing the money.

Georgia, like many states, may allow “finder” or “locator” services, which are private companies that search for unclaimed property and help you file a claim in exchange for a fee or a percentage of what you receive. These services are optional. Many people choose to work directly with the Georgia unclaimed property office instead, because:

• Searching the official database is typically free, and
• The state does not take a cut of your funds beyond any lawful handling requirements.

If you decide to use a finder service:

• Read any contract carefully.
• Confirm you are comfortable with the fee and terms.
• Make sure the company provides contact information you can verify independently.

Quick Checklist: Filing an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Georgia

Use this as a simple reference as you go:

1. Search for your name on the official Georgia unclaimed property site.
2. Identify matching records and confirm the address or business looks familiar.
3. Start a claim online or request a paper claim form from the Georgia unclaimed property office.
4. Gather documents, such as:
   • Government-issued photo ID
   • Proof of Social Security Number
   • Proof of past address tied to the claim
   • For heirs: death certificate and estate or relationship documents
   • For businesses: proof of authority and business records
5. Submit the completed claim form and copies of your documents:
   • Upload via the official online portal, or
   • Mail to the official Georgia unclaimed property address listed on the form
6. Keep your claim number and copies of everything you send.
7. Check status periodically through the official site or by calling the unclaimed property office.
8. Respond promptly if the state requests additional documentation.

Once your claim is approved, the State of Georgia will usually issue payment directly to you or to the estate/business, according to the documentation you provided.

By following these steps and working only through Georgia’s official unclaimed property channels, you can safely and efficiently find out whether the state is holding money in your name and, if so, what you need to do to claim it.