Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Hawaii: Step‑by‑Step Guide to Claiming What’s Yours

If you’ve ever opened a utility account or rented a home in Hawaii, there’s a chance you left behind a security deposit or escrow balance without realizing it. These funds do not disappear right away. In many cases, they eventually become unclaimed property that you can request back through the State of Hawaii.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Hawaii usually work, who can claim them, and how to move forward through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent, informational website. It is not a government agency, not an official application portal, and cannot check your claim status. This article is meant to help you understand the typical process so you can contact the correct official offices.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Utility deposits

Many Hawaii utility companies require a deposit when you start service, especially if:

• You’re a new customer
• You have limited or no credit history
• You’ve had late payments in the past

Common examples:

• Electric (e.g., HECO, MECO, HELCO)
• Water or sewer
• Gas companies
• Some telecom or cable providers

If you move, close your account, or switch providers, the utility company is supposed to:

1. Apply the deposit to your final bill, and
2. Refund any remaining balance to your last known address, or sometimes directly to your bank.

When the company can’t reach you, or mail is returned, that leftover deposit may turn into unclaimed property after a certain period.

Escrow funds

“Escrow funds” usually refers to money held by a third party for things like:

• Rental security deposits held by a property manager or landlord
• Mortgage escrow accounts (for property taxes or insurance)
• Real estate closing escrow balances that were never properly disbursed

If the company, landlord, or escrow holder cannot reach you, or you never cashed a check, those funds may also be turned over to the State of Hawaii Unclaimed Property Program after a dormancy period.

How Unclaimed Property Works in Hawaii

Hawaii, like many states, has a state-run unclaimed property program (often managed by the Department of Budget and Finance or a similar state office). Companies and organizations in Hawaii – such as utilities, landlords, banks, and escrow agents – are generally required to:

1. Hold your money for a specific time if they can’t contact you.
2. Make reasonable attempts to find you.
3. Report and transfer those funds to the State of Hawaii as unclaimed property when they still can’t reach you.

Once that happens, you do not lose ownership of the money. Instead, you typically need to:

• Search the state’s unclaimed property records, and
• Submit an official claim with documents proving that the money is yours.

Common Types of Unclaimed Utility and Escrow Funds in Hawaii

Here are some common situations that may lead to unclaimed funds:

• Closed utility accounts with deposit balances

  • You moved off-island and forgot to update your address.
  • Your final bill was lower than your deposit, leaving a credit.

• Tenant security deposits

  • You moved out of a rental and never received, or never cashed, the refund.
  • The landlord mailed the deposit to an old address.

• Mortgage escrow refunds

  • Your mortgage was paid off or refinanced.
  • A surplus in your escrow account didn’t reach you.

• Real estate transaction leftovers

  • Additional funds left in a closing escrow.
  • Overpayments related to property transactions.

If these funds sit unclaimed long enough, they may end up in the state’s unclaimed property system under your name and last known address.

Who Can Usually Claim Unclaimed Utility and Escrow Funds?

Typically, the person who legally owned the account or deposit can file a claim. Depending on the situation, that might be:

• The individual customer or tenant named on the account or lease
• The joint account holder or co-tenant
• A business owner (for business utility or escrow accounts)
• A legal heir or estate representative (if the original owner has died)

In Hawaii, claims are usually based on matching your identity to the name and address in the state’s unclaimed property records.

You may be able to claim if:

• The name on the unclaimed funds matches your current or former legal name
• You can show that you lived at or used the address listed on the account
• You are a legal representative, such as:
  • Executor of an estate
  • Power of attorney (in some situations)
  • Court-appointed guardian
  • Authorized corporate officer for a business

If you are claiming funds for a deceased relative, expect to provide extra documentation (such as death certificates and estate papers).

How to Check for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Hawaii

Although exact steps may change over time, the general process in Hawaii is usually:

1. Gather basic information about yourself

Before you search, have ready:

• Full legal name (including former names or maiden name)
• Previous addresses in Hawaii
• Name of utility provider or landlord (if known)
• Approximate dates of service or tenancy

This helps you quickly recognize correct matches.

2. Use the official Hawaii unclaimed property search tool

Hawaii typically offers an official online search tool for unclaimed property maintained by a state agency. To find it:

• Go to a search engine and type:
  • “Hawaii unclaimed property” or
  • “State of Hawaii unclaimed funds”
• Look for a result that clearly shows it is an official Hawaii government site (for example, with a .gov domain and clear government branding).

From there, you can usually:

• Search by last name and first name
• Filter by business name, if you are checking for a company
• See a list of matching names, addresses, and property types

Utility deposits and escrow funds may show up as:

• Utility credit
• Security deposit
• Escrow account
• Refund or overpayment

If you see entries that match your name and former address in Hawaii, that may be your money.

3. Review any details available

Many official Hawaii search tools will show basic details, such as:

• Name of the holder (utility company, landlord, bank, escrow company)
• City and sometimes last four digits of an address
• Type or category of unclaimed property
• Approximate claim amount range (in some systems)

This helps you confirm whether the record is likely related to a utility deposit or escrow fund you once had.

Typical Steps to File a Claim in Hawaii

The State of Hawaii usually requires a formal claim before releasing unclaimed funds. The process can vary slightly by type of property and who is claiming, but a common pattern is:

1. Start a claim request online or obtain the claim form

On the official Hawaii unclaimed property site, you can usually:

• Click a “Start Claim” or “File Claim” button next to each property you believe is yours, and/or
• Download a claim form to complete and mail.

Follow the instructions on the official site or form carefully.

2. Complete the claim form

You may be asked to provide:

• Personal information

  • Full name (and any former names)
  • Social Security number (or last four digits) in some cases
  • Date of birth
  • Current mailing address and phone/email

• Details about the property

  • Claim ID or property number from the online search
  • Name of the original holder (e.g., the utility company or escrow company)

• Relationship to the property

  • Original owner
  • Heir, executor, or representative
  • Business owner or corporate officer

Check each required field. Missing information can delay processing.

3. Gather supporting documents

Hawaii usually requires documentary proof to confirm your claim. Common documents include:

• Proof of identity

  • Valid photo ID (Hawaii driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID)

• Proof of Social Security number (if requested)

  • Social Security card, W-2, or certain tax documents

• Proof of address or connection to the property

  • Old utility bill with your name and the listed address
  • Lease agreement or rental contract
  • Mortgage or closing documents
  • Old bank statement showing payments to the utility or escrow holder

• Name change documents (if applicable)

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order

For claims involving a deceased owner or an estate, additional documents may be required:

• Death certificate
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration
• Will or other estate documentation showing you are the legal heir or representative

The official Hawaii unclaimed property website or form will normally list which documents are required for each type of claim.

4. Submit the claim

Depending on Hawaii’s current process, you may:

• Upload documents and submit the claim online,
• Mail a printed claim form and copies of your documents to the state office, or
• Occasionally, deliver documents in person at a designated state office (if allowed and practical).

Follow the specific directions on the official claim instructions. Do not mail original IDs; use copies as directed.

5. Wait for review and possible follow-up

Once your claim is submitted, the Hawaii unclaimed property office will typically:

• Review your documents
• Compare your information with their records
• Contact you if they need additional documentation or clarification

Processing times can vary depending on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• How complex your claim is (individual vs. estate, amount involved, etc.)
• Whether your documents clearly match their records

If your claim is approved, the state usually issues a check or other form of payment directly to you at the address you provided.

Quick Comparison: Utility vs. Escrow Unclaimed Funds in Hawaii

*Exact documents depend on Hawaii’s official requirements at the time you apply.

Documents to Gather Before You Start

To make the process smoother, it helps to collect what you can before you submit a claim:

Identity and personal details

• Government-issued photo ID
• Document showing your Social Security number (if requested)
• Any documentation for name changes

Proof of address and connection to the account

• Old utility bills from Hawaii addresses where you lived
• Lease agreements or rental move-in/move-out forms
• Mortgage statements or HUD-1/closing disclosures
• Old bank statements showing payments to specific utilities or escrow accounts

For estate or heir claims

• Death certificate for the original owner
• Probate documents naming you as executor or heir
• Any letters of administration/testamentary

You do not always need every document listed above, but having them available helps if the state requests extra proof.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Claims for unclaimed funds in Hawaii may be delayed or denied for several reasons. Some common issues include:

• Name mismatch

  • Your claim uses a different legal name than what’s listed in the records, and you don’t provide name-change proof.

• Insufficient proof of address

  • You cannot show that you lived at or used the address connected to the account.

• Missing supporting documents

  • Required copies of ID, Social Security verification, or estate papers are not included.

• Incorrect or incomplete claim form

  • Missing signatures, wrong claim ID, or incomplete contact information.

• Unclear relationship to the owner

  • For estate or business claims, the state cannot verify your authority to receive funds.

If your claim is denied or the state requests more information, you can usually submit additional documentation or a corrected claim. Some claimants contact the unclaimed property office directly for clarification through the phone number or email address listed on the official state site.

Can You Appeal or Re-File a Claim in Hawaii?

Hawaii’s specific appeal or reconsideration process may change over time, but in many cases:

• If your claim is denied due to missing or weak documentation, you may be able to reapply with stronger proof.
• If you believe the denial was due to a misunderstanding or error, you can often contact the unclaimed property office using their official phone number or email to ask what additional information is needed.

If the issue involves complex estate, business, or legal questions, some people choose to seek advice from a qualified attorney familiar with Hawaii property and estate laws. HowToGetAssistance.org does not provide legal representation or legal advice.

What If You Don’t Find Anything Under Your Name?

Not finding your name in Hawaii’s unclaimed property search does not always mean you never had a deposit. Consider:

• Try other spellings or name variations

  • Include middle initials or former last names.

• Search past addresses

  • If the tool allows it, try searching by address or city.

• Check under business names

  • If you owned a business that held utility accounts, claim under that business name.

If you still do not see any unclaimed funds:

• There may be no remaining balance after your final bill.
• The company may still be holding the deposit and has not yet turned it over to the state.
• The deposit may have been applied or refunded correctly at the time.

You can also:

• Contact your former utility provider, landlord, or escrow company directly and ask if they show any remaining credit, refund, or unclaimed deposit associated with your old account.

If they believe the funds were already transferred to the State of Hawaii, you can refer back to the state’s official unclaimed property office for guidance.

Alternatives and Related Resources

If you are looking for money owed to you, these related options can sometimes help:

• Tax refunds

  • Check with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for unclaimed federal tax refunds and with the Hawaii Department of Taxation for state refunds.

• Pension or retirement benefits

  • If you worked for an employer with a retirement plan, you may contact the plan administrator or look for federal tools that help track old pensions.

• Other unclaimed property in different states

  • If you have lived or worked in other states, consider checking each state’s official unclaimed property website, since unclaimed property is usually held by the state where the business or account was located.

Remember that each of these resources has its own rules, forms, and verification processes.

How to Avoid Scams and Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels

Because unclaimed funds can attract scammers, it’s important to verify that you are dealing with legitimate offices:

Signs you are on an official Hawaii site or channel:

• The website address ends in “.gov” and clearly identifies a State of Hawaii department.
• The site lists official state contact information, such as a government office mailing address or a state agency phone number.
• You are not asked to pay a large “processing” or “finder” fee just to claim your own money.

Watch out for:

• Private companies that offer to “find” your money for a percentage. In Hawaii, you do not have to pay a company to search or file a claim; you can usually do it yourself directly through the state.
• Emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information or payment before confirming they are from a legitimate government office.
• Any site that looks unprofessional, lacks clear contact details, or does not identify the state agency responsible.

If you are unsure, you can:

• Call a publicly listed phone number for the appropriate Hawaii state department and ask how to access the official unclaimed property search.
• Dial 211 (a general community resource line in many areas) and ask for help locating the correct Hawaii government unclaimed property office.

Key Takeaways for Claiming Unclaimed Utility and Escrow Funds in Hawaii

• Unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Hawaii often end up with the State of Hawaii Unclaimed Property Program when companies cannot reach you.
• You can usually search for your name on the state’s official unclaimed property website and then file a claim for any matching records.
• Be ready to provide proof of identity, proof of address, and sometimes estate or business documents.
• Claims can take time to process, and you may be asked for additional information if the match is not clear.
• You do not need to pay a third party to claim your own funds; Hawaii generally allows you to work directly with the official state office.
• HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only. To actually claim money, you must use official Hawaii government channels and follow their instructions.