Unclaimed Insurance Money and Benefits in Hawaii: How to Find and Claim What You’re Owed

Many people in Hawaii have unclaimed life insurance money, annuities, and other insurance-related benefits and do not realize it. Policies get lost, beneficiaries move, names change, and letters from insurance companies may never reach the right person.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed insurance money usually works in Hawaii, how to search for it, and what steps to take to claim it through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government agency, insurance company, or claims office. You cannot apply or file claims through this site, but you can use this guide to better understand what to do next.

What Is Unclaimed Insurance Money in Hawaii?

Unclaimed insurance money usually refers to benefits or payments that an insurance company owes but cannot successfully deliver to the policyholder or beneficiary. After a certain period with no contact, the company is required to turn that money over to the state.

In Hawaii, unclaimed insurance money commonly comes from:

• Life insurance policies
• Annuities
• Health insurance premium refunds or settlements
• Auto or homeowners claim checks that were never cashed
• Group policies through an employer or union
• Mortgage insurance or credit life insurance tied to loans

If the insurance company cannot locate the beneficiary or policy owner for a set amount of time, the funds may be sent to the Hawaii Unclaimed Property Program (run by the Department of Budget & Finance) as “unclaimed property.”

From that point, you or your heirs can usually claim the money directly from the State of Hawaii, after proving your identity and your right to the funds.

Common Types of Unclaimed Insurance Benefits

Understanding what kind of money might be out there helps you know where to look and what documents you may need.

1. Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits

These are among the most common:

• A family member bought a life insurance policy and never told relatives.
• A policy was taken out through a former employer, union, or association.
• Beneficiaries moved, married, or changed names and contact information became outdated.

You might be owed:

• A lump-sum death benefit
• Policy cash value from a lapsed policy
• Proceeds from group life insurance at a previous job

2. Unclaimed Annuities

An annuity may become unclaimed when:

• The owner dies, and the beneficiaries never file a claim.
• Regular annuity payments stop and the company cannot reach the owner.
• A contract matures, but the owner never requests the payout.

3. Refunds, Overpayments, and Settlement Checks

Unclaimed insurance money can also include:

• Premium refunds (for canceled policies)
• Overpayments or corrections
• Settlement checks from class actions that were never cashed
• Claim checks mailed to an old address

How Unclaimed Insurance Money Ends Up With the State of Hawaii

The process usually follows a pattern:

1. No contact with the policyholder or beneficiary
   The insurance company tries to reach the person at the last known address, email, or phone number.

2. Dormancy period passes
   After no response for a certain number of years (varies by policy type and state law), the money is considered “unclaimed” or “abandoned.”

3. Funds are turned over to the state
   In Hawaii, the insurer sends the funds and the last known information about the owner or beneficiary to the Hawaii Unclaimed Property Program.

4. Your name may appear in the state’s unclaimed property records
   At that point, you can generally file a claim with the State of Hawaii, not with the original insurance company.

First Step: Check for Unclaimed Insurance Money in Hawaii

Most people start by searching for their name (and family members’ names) in Hawaii’s unclaimed property system.

Because websites and addresses can change, the safest way to find the right portal is to:

• Search online for: “Hawaii unclaimed property Department of Budget and Finance”
• Or contact the Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance by phone and ask for the Unclaimed Property Program.

You can usually:

• Search by name (current and former names)
• Search by maiden name or alternate spellings
• Search for deceased relatives to see if their estate may be owed money

If a match appears, the listing may mention:

• The holder (for example, an insurance company name)
• The type of property (often a code or description like “insurance proceeds”)
• The approximate amount category (exact amounts may be shown only during the claim process)

Step-by-Step: How to Claim Unclaimed Insurance Money in Hawaii

The exact steps can change over time, so it is important to follow the instructions on Hawaii’s official unclaimed property site or forms. Typically, the process looks like this:

1. Identify Potential Matches

When you find a record that looks like it belongs to you:

• Review the name and last known address.
• Check whether the holder (insurance company, employer, bank) looks familiar.
• Note any property ID number or claim number shown.

You may be able to start a claim online or print a claim form.

2. Choose the Right Claim Type

Hawaii’s unclaimed property office usually distinguishes between:

• Owner claims – you are the person listed.
• Heir / beneficiary claims – you are not the person listed, but you may inherit the funds (for example, adult child of a deceased policyholder).
• Business claims – for claims in a company or organization’s name.
• Estate or trust claims – when funds belong to an estate that may need a legal representative.

Select the type that best matches your situation; forms and required documents will be different.

3. Gather Required Documents

You generally need to prove:

1. Your identity
2. Your connection to the person or business named
3. Your right to receive the funds

Common documents requested include:

• Photo ID

  • State ID or driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Military ID (if accepted by the office)

• Proof of address or connection to the address listed (for owner claims)

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease or deed
  • Tax document

• Name change documents, if applicable

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order for name change

• Proof of relationship / authority (for heirs or estates)

  • Death certificate of the person named
  • Will or letters testamentary
  • Letters of administration or other probate documents
  • Documents showing you are the executor, personal representative, or administrator
  • Birth or marriage certificates to show family relationships

Sometimes, the unclaimed property office may ask for:

• Social Security number (or last four digits) to confirm identity
• A notarized signature on the claim form
• Additional documents if the situation is complex (e.g., multiple heirs, no will, or older policies)

Quick Reference: Common Claim Situations and Typical Documents

*Exact requirements vary. Always follow the current instructions on Hawaii’s official unclaimed property forms.

4. Submit Your Claim to the State (Not to This Website)

Once your documents are ready:

• Complete the official Hawaii unclaimed property claim form (online or on paper, depending on the state’s current system).
• Sign where required; some forms must be notarized.
• Attach copies (or originals, if specifically required) of requested documents.

Submission is usually done by:

• Online upload through the official state portal, or
• Mailing the claim form and documents to the address provided on the official form.

You are not able to submit the claim through HowToGetAssistance.org. Claims must go to the State of Hawaii’s unclaimed property office or other official office specified on your form.

5. What Happens After You File a Claim?

After submitting a claim, the process often includes:

1. Initial review
   Staff check that your form is complete and that basic documentation is included.

2. Verification
   The office may:

   • Compare your information with the original records from the insurance company.
   • Confirm your identity and, if applicable, your authority as an heir or representative.

3. Request for more information (if needed)
   If anything is missing or unclear, the state may:

   • Send you a letter or email
   • Ask for more documents, a clearer copy, or an updated form

4. Approval and payment
   If your claim is approved:

   • You may receive a check mailed to your address.
   • Some states offer direct deposit, depending on current procedures.

Processing times can vary. In many cases, it may take several weeks to a few months, especially if documents are complex or if there are multiple heirs.

How to Find Unclaimed Life Insurance When You Don’t Know the Policy Details

In many families, the biggest challenge is not the claim process—it’s figuring out whether a policy ever existed. Here are practical ways to search:

1. Check Personal and Household Records

Look for:

• Old insurance policy folders
• Premium payment receipts
• Bank records showing payments to insurance companies
• Letters or statements from insurers
• Paperwork from past employers talking about group life insurance

2. Contact Past Employers or Unions

If the person worked for:

• Large companies
• Government agencies
• Unions or professional associations

They may have been covered by group life insurance or an annuity as a benefit. Contact the employer’s HR or benefits office and ask if any life insurance or retirement-related benefits were in place.

3. Reach Out to Common Insurance Carriers

If you suspect a certain insurance company:

• Call the company’s customer service or claims department.
• Ask what information they need to search for a policy (usually name, date of birth, Social Security number, and approximate policy dates).
• If the policy has already been turned over to Hawaii as unclaimed property, the company may tell you to contact the Hawaii Unclaimed Property Program instead.

4. Check for Mail Sent After a Death

Sometimes, insurers send:

• “Claim your benefit” letters
• Annual policy statements
• Notices about required action

Look through mail that arrived in the months after a loved one’s death, especially if the estate was never fully settled.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common problems can help you avoid delays.

1. Missing or incomplete documents

• Not including a required death certificate
• Leaving out proof of relationship for heirs
• Not providing proof of address or name changes

2. Unclear or conflicting information

• Different spellings of names
• Multiple people with the same name and birth year
• Claimant’s information does not clearly match the original record

3. Lack of legal authority for estate funds

If the funds legally belong to an estate, the state may need:

• Probate documents showing who has authority to act for the estate
• Or, if the amount is small and Hawaii allows simplified procedures, specific forms to use that process

4. Out-of-date contact information

If you move or change phone numbers during the process and do not update the state, letters requesting more information might not reach you.

To reduce delays:

• Read the instructions carefully on the official claim form.
• Send clear, legible copies of documents.
• Respond promptly if the office requests additional information.

Do Unclaimed Insurance Benefits in Hawaii Expire?

In many cases, unclaimed property held by the state does not expire. It typically remains available for the rightful owner or heirs to claim.

However:

• The rules can differ depending on the type of property and state law.
• It is usually better to file a claim as soon as possible, especially if:
  • You need time to gather documents.
  • Multiple heirs are involved.
  • The estate status is complicated.

If you have concerns about time limits or specific situations, consider contacting:

• The Hawaii Unclaimed Property Program directly, and/or
• A Hawaii attorney experienced in probate or estate matters, if legal questions come up.

How to Make Sure You’re on an Official Hawaii Channel (Not a Scam)

Because unclaimed money is a tempting topic for scammers, it’s important to protect yourself.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if:

• Someone contacts you first about unclaimed funds and pressures you to act quickly.
• You are asked to pay upfront fees in order to “unlock” your money.
• They want sensitive personal information (full Social Security number, bank account, or credit card) over an unverified website or phone call.
• The email or website address does not match a clearly identified State of Hawaii agency.

Safer Practices

• Verify that you are using a “.gov” website or contacting a clearly official state agency.
• If unsure, call the Hawaii Department of Budget & Finance main number and ask to be directed to the Unclaimed Property Program.
• Do not send money to private companies just to check if you have unclaimed funds; in many cases, searching with the state directly is free.
• If you choose to use a private “finder” or recovery service, carefully read any contracts and fees, and consider whether you could complete the claim yourself at no cost.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Your Claim?

Sometimes, people discover money they might be entitled to but have trouble meeting the documentation requirements. In those cases, options may include:

• Gathering more documentation

  • Request certified copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates from Hawaii’s vital records office or the state where the events occurred.
  • Ask the probate court for copies of estate documents.

• Consulting an attorney

  • For complex estates, unclear wills, or disputes between heirs, a Hawaii probate or estate attorney may help clarify your legal options.

• Talking directly with the unclaimed property office

  • Ask what alternatives exist if certain documents are unavailable. In some cases, they may accept affidavits or other proof, depending on state law and the claim amount.

If you ultimately cannot show that you are the legal owner or heir under Hawaii law, the state may not be able to approve the claim.

Tips to Prevent Future Insurance Benefits From Going Unclaimed

Once you’ve gone through this process, you may want to make it easier for your own beneficiaries in the future:

• Keep a list of your insurance policies and annuities, including:
  • Company names
  • Policy numbers
  • Agent contact information
• Tell your beneficiaries that the policies exist and where to find documents.
• Keep copies of policy documents in a safe but accessible place.
• Update beneficiary designations when life circumstances change (marriage, divorce, births, deaths).
• Notify insurers when you move or change contact information.

These steps can reduce the chances that your own benefits will end up as unclaimed property later.

By understanding how unclaimed insurance money and benefits work in Hawaii, you can take concrete steps: search the official Hawaii unclaimed property system, gather the right documents, and submit a claim through the State of Hawaii’s official channels. This process can take some time and paperwork, but for many families, it results in recovering funds they never realized were available.